Keenan Allen Reflects on Philip Rivers' Role in His Success

A key part of the receiver he is today.

Though catching passes from a new signal caller at the start of this decade, Keenan Allen's accomplishments in a Charger uniform can't be told without his former star QB's performance on and off the field. 

Discussing the importance of Philip Rivers' play in shaping the critical target he is today, Allen reflected on the many aspects of Rivers' game that fans didn't see to aid his targets each and every week.

How important was Philip Rivers to the Chargers? @Keenan13Allen says he wouldn’t be here without him

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Playing seven seasons with Rivers, Allen was injured for a good portion of his third and fourth seasons, but the connection made quite the pairing in the other five. 

Drafted in 2013, Allen's rookie year was a successful one after catching 71 passes for over 1000 yards and a joint career high in touchdowns with 8. 

The Bolts' newest connection would remain strong through the duo's combined years after Allen's final totals with Rivers under center would be 524 receptions for 6405 yards and 34 touchdowns. 

With Antonio Gates aging but the preferred red zone option for Rivers, it was Allen who would pick up the short and intermediate yardage on a variety of patterns, earning a reputation as one of the best route runners in the league. 

Despite the additions of Mike Williams and currently Quentin Johnston, Allen looks like he has something to prove coming off of injury once again. 

In 2023, the veteran receiver is poised to not just improve on an individual level but help to guide his team past the divisional round for the first time in nearly two decades. 

Though Rivers left the team after the 2019 season, Allen knows he wouldn't be where he is today without his contributions and the confidence he instilled within the former Cal Bear as a rookie. 

Now the stalwart for another young receiver group, Allen knows he has an example for others to follow, much like his quarterback did for him many years prior.