Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
We see players jump from team to team each year, often within the same division. Such was the case when Eddie Royal left the Denver Broncos for the San Diego Chargers last season. It was a nice snag for the Chargers, but with the high profile signing of Robert Meechem, the Royal signing was under the radar, and the speedy receiver did little to draw attention to himself. This season looks to be a completely different story.
Although Royal played in 10 games last season, he struggled with injuries and managed just one touchdown. He tripled that output in 2013 before the Chargers even went to halftime in Week 2.
Royal’s scoring production is exactly what Phillip Rivers needs on an offense that has been inconsistent over the last several seasons. The loss of Danario Alexander before the season even began has opened up opportunities to make a difference, and so far Royal has been making the most of his opportunities.
Still, it is going to take more than one man finding the end zone for the Chargers to have success. In Week 1, the Chargers scored four touchdowns (Royal had two) and they still gave the game away. In Week 2, Antonio Gates has a chance to take a Rivers’ pass in for a score, and instead loses the ball just outside of the end zone and the Philadelphia Eagles pounce on it.
This cannot be the standard operating procedure for a playoff hopeful that has weapons like the Chargers do. It is good to see Royal being a playmaker, but he needs help, and so far it looks like no one is ready to step up.
Jeff Everette covers the Miami Dolphins, for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jeverettesports, “like” his page on Facebook, “Trust” him on Sulia or join his circles on Google.
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