Keenan Allen breaks Chargers fans hearts with vintage game in Bears-Jaguars

The script has flipped for the LA Chargers in 2024 as the defensive side of the ball has carried the team while the offense has been stagnant. With a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, Chargers fans are not used to seeing their favorite team struggle on offense.

One of the several variables contributing to this offensive regression has been Herbert's pure lack of weapons in the passing game. The Chargers came into the league with one of the worst groups of passing weapons in the sport and thus far, the team has lived down to those low expectations.

As bad as it has been, the Chargers haven't missed Keenan Allen or Mike Williams, who both left the team last spring. Neither Allen nor Williams produced much for their new teams in the first five weeks, making it appear that the Chargers were correct in making their controversial offseason decisions (especially trading Allen).

This narrative slightly changed early Sunday morning. While Chargers fans were waking up and brewing their coffee, Allen was across the pond having his first signature game for the Chicago Bears. Allen caught five passes for 41 yards with two touchdowns in a 35-16 rout over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Keenan Allen's big game for Bears stings for Chargers fans

If the Chargers were not missing a beat offensively then fans would be able to watch Allen succeed with nothing but joy in their hearts. But given the status of the Chargers' offense, seeing Allen succeed only creates "what ifs" for fans.

Granted, Allen has not been impactful thus far in 2024 but Sunday's win proved he still can be. After all, Allen plays in a loaded offense with a lot of weapons and a rookie quarterback who still was getting his sea legs.

Just because Allen's production was down to start the year does not mean he is washed. A big reason for the decline in production is his situation, which would obviously be different if he was still in Los Angeles.

Allen proved on Sunday he is still the shifty route-runner who can find the endzone with ease. This dynamic would be hugely beneficial to the Chargers' offense, and coupled with Ladd McConkey, would actually give Chargers fans a supporting cast to be excited about.

But alas, the Chargers opted to keep both veteran edge rushers in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa instead of keeping Allen. Bosa may have taken a pay cut to stay in Los Angeles but his injury woes have only followed him into the 2024 season.

There is a real chance Bosa may not even play in Week 6 on the same day Allen turned in a vintage performance. If that is the case, and the passing offense continues to struggle, the Chargers' offseason decision is going to look worse.