Keenan Allen's return to the Los Angeles Chargers was celebrated, mostly for what Allen had previously accomplished in 11 years with the franchise.
It probably also should've been celebrated for what Allen can still do.
The 33-year old wide receiver shone in his return as the Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil last Friday.
Allen finished with seven catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.
And if you're wondering: No, this wasn't a fluke.
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Why Keenan Allen's Chargers return stats weren't a fluke
Keenan Allen can still get the job done.
In 2024, he made 70 catches for the Chicago Bears, and that was with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
With Justin Herbert? It can be special, even at this point in Allen's career.
Two encouraging metrics:
- He played 62% of the Chargers' snaps, third-most at WR behind Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey
- He had 10 targets, ahead of McConkey (9) and Johnston (7)
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The Chargers aren't going to put Allen out there on a lot of run plays, thus his lower snap count.
But of the 40 plays he was on the field, Herbert targeted him on exactly a quarter of them.
That's what you want if you're counting on Allen to continue to produce, and clearly, he's still capable.
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