Chargers Veteran Receiver Anticipated to Experience Downturn in 2023

Should fans expect regression from him this season?

The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for a potentially special season as the new NFL year gets closer. After reaching the postseason for the first time under head coach Brandon Staley, LA has all the tools at its disposal to make a deep playoff run.

They have a star at the quarterback position in Justin Herbert, who, despite injuries last season, managed to get his team to the playoffs. He will look to improve on his 2022 season, but this time be more efficient. He has a strong cast of wide receivers to help him out, with his main target being veteran Keenan Allen.

Allen dealt with a few injuries last year that limited him to only 10 games, but he wants to make it up this year. However, one pundit believes he is due for some regression this season. Nate Gosney of The Last Word on Sports sees Allen as one of the three Chargers that will suffer significant regression in 2023.

“One of the all-time great Chargers is finally showing signs of slowing down. Keenan Allen is 31 and is coming off a significant ankle injury. Although coming back from his injury he played lights out, it was still a concern that he missed games. Allen has always been Justin Herbert‘s go-to target on short to intermediate routes. Not to mention the reliable third-down conversion machine that Allen is. But beyond that role, Keenan will likely be forced into a lesser role than before.”

Per Last Word on Sports

Gosney also mentioned that with the addition of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the Chargers will probably run the ball more often. While this is true, the system that Moore operates should allow for Herbert to fling the ball down the field more aggressively, giving Allen more chances to put up numbers.

He also thinks that the pure talent of the Bolts receiving room will add to this regression.

“With the first-round selection of Quentin Johnston, and the emergence of Joshua Palmer, as well as the health of Mike Williams and Jalen Guyton will have the aging receiver resting on the bench just a bit more than what was expected of Allen just a few years ago."

Per Last Word on Sports

While LA has more talent next to Allen, he should be okay. He is still the favorite target of Herbert, so that alone will allow him to get yards. Even in his limited time last year, Allen still put up 752 yards and four touchdowns. This seems like reaching to me, and Allen should be in line for another strong season if he can remain healthy.