It’s been a strong training camp for Keenan Allen, coming in slimmer and lighter by six pounds compared to last season, making the San Diego Chargers very optimistic about his performance in the upcoming season.
Allen is entering his third NFL season, following a decline in his numbers from a fabulous rookie season. He caught more passes (77 to 71) but finished with just 783 yards compared to his 1046 in 2013, with his touchdown numbers falling from eight to four.
I started to realize how the NFL worked. It may sound cliché or corny or whatever, but how you practice is how you play, for sure. The work you put in is what you get out of it.
Not having Eddie Royal next to him (62 receptions, 778 yards) and Antonio Gates being suspended for the first four games of the season means there’s more responsibility on Allen to stand out in the passing game, and more opportunities for him to make an impact.
The Chargers believe that the addition of Stevie Johnson, a 49ers player last season, will benefit both players, contemplating each other in a way, capable of playing out wide and in the slot, making things easier for Philip Rivers.