The Los Angeles Chargers were not particularly active during free agency this offseason, which did not please wide receiver Keenan Allen. However, they did pick up center Mike Pouncey, a move that offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is very pleased about.
“He's a good football player,” Whisenhunt said per the team's official website. “That was really a tremendous get by our guys, Tom [Telesco] and his staff. To be able to pull that off was fantastic. I've seen him for a number of years, and he's obviously a very good center. He brings a lot to the table from that standpoint.”
Whisenhunt should be pleased with Pouncey’s arrival. The 28-year-old was a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Miami Dolphins and is arguably one of the top players at his position when he’s at his best. He hasn’t quite been at that level over the last couple of seasons, but perhaps a new start in Los Angeles can help recharge his career.
The Chargers will certainly hope that’s the case. While the team’s offense made big strides under Whisenhunt and their O-line excelled in pass protection, they didn’t get the sufficient run blocking they needed to get their ground game going on a consistent enough basis. Despite struggling last season in that department, Pouncey has shown that he’s capable of being among the top run-blocking centers around.
If Pouncey can provide the type of lanes that can get running back Melvin Gordon bigger gains, the Chargers offense may be able to reach a much higher level in 2018.
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