Jim Harbaugh boldly compares Chargers WR Ladd McConkey to NFL legend

LA Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey had the first true breakout game of his career as he scored two touchdowns and accounted for 111 receiving yards vs. the Saints. A 60-yard catch and run sprint to the end zone showed off his ability to turn on the jets, much like his 38-yard reception earlier this year vs. Kansas City.

Pro Football Focus graded McConkey with the highest receiving and offense scores of his career at 85.9 and 87.9 respectively. The former Georgia star is now up to 376 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie campaign.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about the Chargers finally breaking off some relief-inducing explosive plays after the offensive struggles of last week. He did not hesitate to bring up McConkey first when asked about the explosion. Harbaugh specifically compared the first-year wideout to Steve Smith Sr., putting him in rarefied air.

Jim Harbaugh compares Chargers' Ladd McConkey to Steve Smith Sr.

"It was great to have the explosive plays," Harbaugh said. "Ladd's jumps off the tape. You know, I'm watching the film of Ladd. He reminds me of Steve Smith. In the way that when he goes up for one of those contested balls, it's like they both had this ability and skill to like almost look one way and then catch it just a few feet the other way. It's really subtle. It's really good. Saw him do it again in this game and he's done it in prior games. I thought I had noticed that. I was trying to put my finger on, 'what is he doing?'. And that's what it reminded me of, Steve Smith...it's pretty cool."

All the more impressive is that McConkey has maintained such a high level of production and offensive volume while dealing with a hip injury. He looked a little off from his usual self last week with a pair of uncharacteristic drops, but this Saints game was about as great as a bounceback could've been.

McConkey also has pulled some special teams double duty outside of his offensive responsibilities despite the injury. He had three punt returns and nine special teams snaps on the whole as the team was without Derius Davis. Davis has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Throughout training camp and the creation of the final roster, McConkey was listed as a backup returner to Davis.

Considering the state of the Chargers' receiving room in regards to injuries, they've needed every ounce of McConkey's production. Quentin Johnston has also been out for the last two weeks with an ankle injury. DJ Chark (groin) has still yet to make his return from IR despite practicing.

McConkey will look for a repeat 100+ yard performance as the team heads to Cleveland in the early window next week to take on the Browns.