Ladd McConkey firmly establishes himself as next Keenan Allen in Chargers' win

The biggest storyline surrounding the LA Chargers heading into Week 8 was the team's lack of offensive weapons for quarterback Justin Herbert. After all, the Bolts went six consecutive quarters without scoring a touchdown despite getting elite play out of Herbert in those quarters.

The Chargers' offense did not get off to a hot start in Week 8 against the Saints as it took all of the first half for the Bolts to find the endzone via a one-yard J.K. Dobbins rush. Despite the 9-5 halftime lead, Chargers fans still were not impressed with the team's offense.

Then Ladd McConkey happened.

The rookie wide receiver out of Georgia put together the best half of his young NFL career, making two absurd contested catches that both resulted in touchdowns for the Bolts. When the dust settled, McConkey finished with the best stat line of his young career: six catches for 111 yards with two touchdowns.

Ladd McConkey proves he's the Chargers' new Keenan Allen in win over Saints

The similarities between McConkey and Keenan Allen were certainly there on tape before McConkey ever played a snap for the Chargers. While McConkey has more top-line speed and isn't as lengthy as Allen, both receivers thrive on their ability to create separation with crisp route running.

Because of those similarities, and the sheer lack of overall talent in the wide receiver room, McConkey was expected to be one of the most productive rookie receivers despite being taken in the second round. And while the former Bulldog has shown flashes, he has not put together a complete game in the same way Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison Jr. had.

That changed against the Saints as McConkey firmly established himself as someone Herbert trusts in the passing game. And funny enough, McConkey did it while looking more like Mike Williams than Allen thanks to his ability to haul in contested catches.

As the season goes along expect Herbert to lean more and more on McConkey in the passing game. McConkey is not going to be as talented or as impactful as Allen right away, but he will serve as the same kind of security blanket for Herbert.

Herbert relied so heavily on Allen, especially in 2023, to be the engine that drove the passing offense. The Chargers did not have that same security blanket heading into the 2024 season after trading Allen and cutting Mike Williams to become salary-cap compliant.

With McConkey so clearly separating himself as the best receiver on the Chargers, expect Herbert to do the same with the Georgia rookie moving forward.