Bolt Beat
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 22: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs after breaking a tackle from Will Compton #51 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 22: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs after breaking a tackle from Will Compton #51 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 22, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Chargers: Third leading receiver Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler was nothing short of a fan favorite this past season. It felt as though almost anytime the ball was put in his hands, something spectacular happened.

On the receiving end, Ekeler tallied up 92 receptions for 993 yards and eight touchdowns. Numbers like those could make him a starting wide receiver on a team, completely leaving out his ability to run the ball as well.

Ekeler’s overall playmaking ability may be second to only Carolina Panthers superstar Christian McCaffrey (who touched the ball over twice as much in 2019). That will no doubt translate into production with any quarterback who suits up for the Chargers in 2020.

Whether it’s Brady (who loves a good pass catcher out of the backfield), Taylor (who can extend plays giving Ekeler and others time to free themselves up), or even a rookie who would feel very safe dumping the ball off and watching Ekeler scurry for a 15-yard gain; Ekeler is bound to put up another insane season in 2020.

If Tom Telesco makes the necessary moves to improve the offensive line, the ceiling only rises for Ekeler. The only thing that could slow him down is the possibility that he may have more of a responsibility carrying the ball on the ground.

Ekeler is an amazing football player, and the quarterback of the Chargers in 2020 will not be changing that in any negative way. Ekeler makes the life of a quarterback much easier by picking up plenty of yardage with little air time needed (for the most part) for the ball to get to him.

A season racking up 83 catches for 825 yards and seven touchdowns (combined with an increase in rushing numbers) could help Ekeler further back up the contract he may be signed to this offseason.

Home/LA Chargers News