Malcom Floyd Is Key To San Diego Chargers’ Win Over San Francisco 49ers
By Jerry Landry
@jerry2landry
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Getting to the NFL Playoffs is not just about talent. Every team that’s not the Jacksonville Jaguars or Oakland Raiders and has a quarterback who succeeds in throwing the ball forward has talent. Getting to the NFL Playoffs takes a truckload of grit too.
Keenan Allen broke his collarbone in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos last week, but he played on. Then on the very next snap, he hurt his ankle. But Allen didn’t immediately go to the locker room — the kid played on.
Hopefully Allen’s volition goes viral for the San Diego Chargers, because although the San Francisco 49ers are out of playoff contention, they’d still love to spoil whatever San Diego has simmering, and the Chargers will need all the grit they can extract.
So it is “Next Man Up” time for the Chargers. With Ryan Mathews doubtful, the burden shifts to Malcom Floyd, the Chargers second-leading receiver by yardage and fourth by receptions. Eddie Royal and Antonio Gates will likely remain constants, but Philip Rivers is going to rely heavily on Floyd, as his 6-foot-5 frame is something that can be utilized to stretch the field for Royal to run underneath and expose the Niners’ sluggish linebacking corps like Allen would have.
Allen was targeted 37 times more than his next closest teammate, Gates. If Floyd gets an even distribution of these residual targets, then no deep ball could be out of the question for Rivers. Floyd could have a huge day that would only add to his already lengthy 17.3 yards per catch.
Keeping Colin Kaepernick to the pocket-passer he is not will be the key on defense. With a few fade routes to Floyd, the Chargers will have the key to the game.
Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Jerry on Twitter at @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.
Baltimore's Season Comes Down To Week 17 Must-Win
If the Baltimore Ravens have any chance at making the AFC playoffs, they'll need a win against Cleveland in Week 17, plus a little bit of help from around the league. Read More
Browns Should Consider Cutting Josh Gordon
Josh Gordon is once again in trouble with the Cleveland Browns, and the team may be better off washing their hands of him this offseason Read More
Titans' Top 5 Draft Needs in 2015
Ranking the top five needs the Tennessee Titans will have to address in the 2015 NFL Draft. Read More
5 Teams That Should Hire Rex Ryan
Rex Ryan will likely be fired after the Jets' season is over and these five teams should consider hiring him. Read More
Giants Must Focus On Locking Up Jason Pierre-Paul
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is headed for free agency, and the team should focus on locking him up. Read More
Bears Somehow Drafting Mariota is a Pipe Dream
Chicago Bears fans and the media all want Jay Cutler gone. However, Marcus Mariota would not be his replacement. It simply isn't possible. Find out why here. Read More
5 Free Agents Titans Should Target In 2015
Which free agents could help the Tennessee Titans win in 2015? Read More
Latest Suspension Proves Gordon Doesn't Get It
After yet another suspension for violating team rules, it's time to come to terms with the fact that Josh Gordon will never live up to his potential. Read More
Buccaneers' Top 5 Draft Needs in 2015
A list of the top five needs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have in the 2015 NFL Draft. Read More
5 Biggest Redskins Rumors Going Into January
The NFL rumors are swirling and a lot of focus is on these five rumors from the nation's capital. Read More
Will Cutler Play Final Game As Bear On Sunday?
Jay Cutler once again takes over as starting quarterback for the Bears on Sunday and it could very well be his final game wearing the blue and orange. Read More
Bears Better Not Listen to Media, Fans On Cutler
There's a lot of fingers to be pointed as to why the Chicago Bears' 2014 season was so dreadful. But one man who doesn't deserve so much flack is Jay Cutler. Find out exactly why here. Read More