Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is having another Pro Bowl season but it might not be enough to … [+]
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Keenan Allen, the Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver, isn’t one to let a clunker linger. He’s looking toward Sunday’s game against the visiting Denver Broncos in a match up of two AFC West rivals scratching for a wildcard playoff berth.
The Chargers (8-7) aim to rebound from their worst loss of the season, an unsightly performance versus the lowly Houston Texans that derailed their once-enviable postseason positioning.
“It was just one of those days,’’ Allen said. “They get paid just like we do.’’
Allen, who was recently named to his fifth-straight Pro Bowl, continues to be money for the Chargers and worth every bit of his four-year, $80.1 million deal.
Only linebacker Joey Bosa, among Bolts, is better paid at five years, $135 million.
Bosa hopes to return on Sunday after a week’s absence with COVID-19 issues.
Allen, it seems, is always at the ready. He’s nine receptions shy of 105 catches, which would eclipse his franchise mark set in 2019.
The accolades, just like the numbers, pile up this year: 96 receptions, 1,042 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Allen shrugs, seeking to somehow will the Chargers into sweeping their final two games to keep their fading postseason flame flickering.
Recommended For You
“Just taking control of what we can do,’’ he said. “Playoff games start now, that’s the mindset.’’
The Broncos (7-8) won the season’s first game, 28-13, thanks to a 14-point, fourth-quarter rally. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s two interceptions included one that resulted in cornerback Pat Surtain II’s touchdown for yet another defeat which gave L.A. indigestion.
“Just shooting ourselves in the foot,’’ Allen said. “A couple of times we were driving and doing pretty good, then the turnovers.’’
Allen had team-highs with 85 yards and seven receptions in that November loss at Denver. He’ll be the focal point again as the Chargers aim to end their SoFi Stadium season on a mile high note.
“Have to bounce back this week, get our confidence back, get our mojo back and just keep it going,’’ Allen said.
With a win, L.A.’s postseason dream stays alive and gets shoved in the overhead bin for the regular-season finale at the Las Vegas Raiders.
With a loss, Allen heads for another Pro Bowl and the Chargers go bust for another year.
Source: Forbes
