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LA Chargers: How does Philip Rivers’ departure impact leading receivers?

By Brandon Viera

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers waves to the crowd against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers waves to the crowd against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers makes a 57-yard reception during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Dignity Health Sports Park on November 03, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers makes a 57-yard reception during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Dignity Health Sports Park on November 03, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Chargers: Second leading receiver Mike Williams

Mike Williams had an explosive third season for the Chargers. Leading the NFL in yards per reception, Williams eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. He did so on only 49 receptions, and also had two touchdowns on the season.

While the reception total wasn’t as high as he (and fans) may have liked, Williams certainly had a great season and was productive when Rivers looked his way.

With a new quarterback set to lead the Chargers offense this season, Williams could certainly see quite a change in numbers when compared to this past season. A new quarterback (especially a rookie) would likely not go straight into throwing 50 yard passes to Williams on a third-and-long as Rivers seemed to do time and time again.

As exciting as it was, it very likely won’t be expected of a new quarterback, and they may not have that same gunslinger mentality that Rivers possessed while playing the position.

However, Williams could certainly see his touchdowns skyrocket (or at least the opportunity for more touchdowns) with a new quarterback. Rivers and the Chargers constantly seemed to stall when close to the goal line.

Throwing to a perfect red-zone target will likely be the strategy for whatever quarterback is next in line in Los Angeles. A season like his year two campaign should be no surprise to anyone whatsoever.

Williams could very well put up numbers of 850 yards on 58 receptions with 12 touchdowns this upcoming season. He will look to be a force in the red zone for whoever the next Chargers quarterback may be.

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