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Chargers' Keenan Allen Assesses Jets' Secondary: 'We Took Advantage of It'

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Kennan Allen had a career-high 16 catches on Sunday against the New York Jets. Here's his assessment of the Jets' secondary

Max Goodman

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen had his way with the Jets' secondary on Sunday, setting a new career-high with 16 catches.

After his 145-yard performance, including a touchdown catch in a 34-28 win, the veteran wideout was asked about New York's defense. Here's how he described the Jets' secondary.

"Young. Little bit of inexperience," he told reporters in a Zoom call on Sunday. "They run what they run on defense. We knew what we were going to get. Cover 2, little bit of man and we took advantage of it."

Considering how many rookies played for New York, inexperienced is a pretty accurate assessment. Corners Bryce Hall and Lamar Jackson, as well as safety Ashtyn Davis, played in all but one snap on defense on Sunday. It was Hall's first start in just his second NFL game. All three of those players are in their rookie season.

Allen had quite a bit of help from Los Angeles' rookie quarterback Justin Herbert as well. The 22-year-old threw for a career-high 366 yards, completing 37 of his 49 pass attempts.

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That said, Allen wasn't alone on the receiving end either. Hunter Henry and Mike Williams both had four catches, adding 48-plus yards each.

Hall, Davis and company will look to bounce back and continue to expedite their development this weekend against another rookie quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Regardless of the result on Sunday against the Dolphins, this inexperienced secondary is taking steps in the right direction by gathering in-game reps and facing high-octane offenses. 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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