Chargers OC Greg Roman had his first media availability of the season on Tuesday before the Brazil game against the Chiefs. While Roman rarely gets into specifics intentionally, he had some interesting thoughts on LA’s WR room.
One of the storylines of the offseason since Keenan Allen’s return has been just how much him and second-year wideout Ladd McConkey will play together. Both receivers are known for their success out of the slot. There’s obviously a world where they can coexist, but what will that look like?
Chargers WRs Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey will be on the field together at the same time…sometimes.
Asked about their fit together on the field, Roman had this to say:
”Those two guys can clearly be on the field at the same time sometimes. Sometimes not,” Roman said. “I don’t think that’s a challenge at all from a coaching standpoint. And those guys, there’s great communication going on there too. That’s great as well.”
On Allen specifically, Roman was highly complimentary of how the veteran receiver has integrated himself to the team in his return to the Chargers:
”Oustanding. Brilliant guy,” Roman started. “He picked it up like that *snaps fingers*. It’s easy to converse with him about football because he knows what he’s talking about as a veteran and a really intelligent guy. So that’s been great. And him talking to the guys is obviously priceless. So, I’d say seamless. Probably the best word I can think of. We’re just getting started.”
”Keenan, A+ so far as far as integrating into everything,” Roman said.
For what it’s worth, both McConkey and Allen were involved in the Chargers preseason drive with the starters against the rams. Quentin Johnston was involved as a starter prior to his concussion.
McConkey played all eight snaps that Herbert was on the field for in that Rams game. By comparison, Allen played five. Allen’s snaps came on passing downs while McConkey was involved on two plays where he run blocked.
It’s an imperfect science for sure, but McConkey and Johnston are clearly penciled in as starters while Allen primarily rotates in for passing downs. The Chargers said as much in the unofficial depth chart they released. Of course, Los Angeles will also have to find playing time on offense for Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and potentially Derius Davis.
We’ll get our first look at the Chargers’ new WR room dynamics against the Chiefs on Friday.