When healthy, Keenan Allen is inarguably one of the best receivers in the NFL. The Los Angeles Chargers' wide receiver is poised for another impressive campaign in 2019.
The Chargers are running it back on offense minus Tyrell Williams and Antonio Gates. Besides that, everyone else is returning on the offense, including Philip Rivers.
Rivers is still chasing the Super Bowl he has coveted his entire career. This season, Los Angeles is in a good spot to contend in the AFC.
With the departure of Williams, Allen — along with Mike Williams and Travis Benjamin — is going to be a prime aerial weapon. Melvin Gordon and Hunter Henry also figure to get some targets from Rivers.
Keenan Allen is entering his seventh season in the NFL and will be relied upon heavily by Rivers. In six seasons, Allen has put up very respectable numbers (when healthy). The sky is the limit for Allen if he can have another injury-free season in 2019.
What numbers should we expect from the Chargers' veteran wideout? Here are three numbers to target for Keenan Allen in 2019.
3. 8 Touchdowns
Touchdowns have never been a strong suit for Allen in his NFL career. Over the course of six seasons, Allen has just 28 touchdowns combined.
Yes, injuries have caused the Pro Bowl wide receiver to miss plenty of games. This has negatively altered the number of touchdowns he's had the opportunity to receive.
Allen's career-high mark in touchdowns is eight, which came during his rookie season in 2013. Since then, Allen has failed to catch more than six touchdowns. This year could be different from the other years, however.
First off, Tyrell Williams' departure leaves some targets to be had. Plus, Allen is likely the Chargers' best option in the red zone (besides Henry). As a result, eight touchdowns could be within Allen's reach this year.
2. 1,200 Receiving Yards
Throughout his career in Los Angeles, Allen has usually been the focal point of the passing attack. Therefore, receiving yards usually aren't hard to come by.
This season shouldn't be any different for the Chargers' wide receiver. In three of his six seasons, he has had over 1,000 receiving yards, and twice in the last two seasons.
The years when Allen failed to reach 1,000 yards through the air were derailed due to injuries. With this in mind, if Allen avoids the injury bug, he can easily reach the 1,200-yard plateau.
Surprisingly, Allen has surpassed 1,200 yards just once in his NFL career. Nonetheless, this season, the 27-year old wide receiver is poised for a monster year with the Chargers.
1. 100 Receptions
Without looking up the stats of Allen on Google, how many seasons do you think the veteran wideout has had 100 receptions? Take a guess.
The Chargers' top wide receiver has just one season in which he hauled in 100 or more receptions. Last year, Allen fell just three receptions short of reaching the 100-reception mark.
Now, in 2019, there will be even more targets coming to Allen in the offense. Therefore, in his seventh season, Allen could have his second season with 100 receptions.
Allen's 6-foot-2 frame allows him to be physical with defensive backs and catch passes with defenders all over him. This allows him to be trusted more by Rivers, who loves giving Allen plenty of opportunities to make plays in man coverage.
The 2019 season could be a special one for Allen; it wouldn't be a surprise if he has his best season so far in his career.
Follow Us
Subscribe