Excited Allen believes this is Chargers' year
Keenan Allen has been through it all during his 10 years with the Chargers. The highs of winning games late into December to squeeze into the playoffs the way they did in his rookie season.
He has been through the low of carving Kansas City's secondary up in the first half of a game for 63 yards on six catches and then tearing his ACL, leading to missing the rest of the season (2016).
He is the only player on the roster from general manager Tom Telesco's first draft class in 2013. He went from not playing a single snap in his first NFL game to becoming one of the most important players on the team and a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
“It's been a journey,” said Allen, who has 730 career receptions for 8,535 yards and 48 touchdowns. “Obviously, ups and downs, but it's been fun. I wouldn't trade it for anything.”
The only feats he has yet to accomplish are winning the AFC West and making a Super Bowl run. Simply put, he yearns to play postseason games and that journey begins again Sunday afternoon when they host the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium.
“I think he's motivated and ready to go,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “He is another guy that is such a pro that you know that he's working and improving every day.”
The Chargers' front office made several moves during free agency and the draft to build a better team. On paper, they appear to have one of the best rosters in the NFL.
The only problem is that the rest of the AFC West also loaded up on talent.
“Every divisional game will be a playoff game for sure,” Allen said.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley let his starters sit out during their three preseason games for the second consecutive training camp and gave them certain days off to help keep their bodies fresh.
“I think a lot (of players) definitely feel the difference, especially coming out of training camp,” Allen said. “The best I've felt.”
Staley is of the philosophy that his players will get more out of practice and joint practices than preseason games. Allen regularly faced one of the team's high-profile new additions — cornerback J.C. Jackson — throughout training camp.
He also lined up against Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs when the Chargers held two joint practices against the Dallas Cowboys, so Allen was tested during training camp.
He is no stranger to working hard.
The former Cal standout is considered one of the best route runners in the NFL and earns praise for the way he releases off the line and can fake a cornerback in when he is going out.