Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn presented a challenge to his wide receiving corps on Monday, putting the onus of a slow early-season start on the lack of playmaking from the wideouts.
Per Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register on Twitter:
“We’re 1-2 right now. We need everybody in that receiving group to step up and make plays, not just Keenan [Allen]. As they step up, we will spread the ball around.”
Lynn on the wide receivers: "We’re 1-2 right now. We need everybody in that receiving group to step up and make plays, not just Keenan. As they step up, we will spread the ball around." #Chargers
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) September 23, 2019
After defeating the Indianapolis Colts at home in their Week 1 season-opening matchup in overtime, the Chargers have gone on to lose their next two tilts, most recently Week 3's home dud against Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans. While veteran quarterback Philip Rivers threw 31/46 for 318 yards and two touchdowns, the receivers were fairly anemic in the touchdown margin of a loss.
Allen, a seven-year pro and two-time Pro-Bowl wideout, scorched the Texans for 13 receptions and 183 yards—the recipient of both of Rivers' touchdown passes.
Besides Allen, however, the Chargers' receivers were mostly unhelpful, with Mike Williams tallying 45 yards on three receptions and running back Austin Ekeler continuing his impressive display in the absence of Melvin Gordon, catching seven passes for 45 yards. 30-year-old vet Dontrelle Inman, who signed with the Chargers in August for his second stint with the organization, only caught one reception for 23 yards on Sunday.
Lynn's message to his receivers must be heard since Rivers can't win ball games on his own. Luckily, L.A.'s schedule opens up with a Week 4 bout against the bottom feeders Miami Dolphins and then a home game against the 0-3 Denver Broncos.
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