Even though theLos Angeles Chargers failed to make a deep run in the playoffs of the 2024 NFL season, they came away with some positive takeaways from that campaign.
For one, they saw they had a great one in the making downfield in the form of wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who led the Bolts with 1,149 receiving yards and to go with seven touchdowns on 82 receptions and 112 targets through 16 games (14 starts)
With a full year of NFL experience under his belt, McConkey can be expected to take a leap in his sophomore campaign. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman is already hinting at plans on how Los Angeles will further utilize the former Georgia Bulldogs star wideout.
“We’re gonna move him around,” Roman said during a recent appearance on theChargers Weekly Podcast (h/tKevin Patra of NFL.com). “The guy’s got some serious talent and a serious will to get it done. Even in the playoff game, look at his production in the playoff game. He’s a guy that we’re just gonna continue to grow with. But when they double Ladd, you’ve got to play the percentages. The ball needs to go somewhere else. … So, that’s gonna open up opportunities for everybody else, and we’ve got to take advantage of those.”
Los Angeles Chargers, Ladd McConkey
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) carries the ball defended by Houston Texans safety Eric Murray (23) during the first quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers WR coach preaches safety to McConkey
Los Angeles Chargers, Ladd McConkey
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) scores on a pass in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
McConkey missed some games in his rookie season due to injuries, in part because he got banged up challenging for receptions.
Chargers wide receiver coach Sanjay Lal wants McConkey to learn some safety practices downfield in order to avoid getting hurt, which is also why he had the 23-year-old wideout watch film of Tyler Lockett and Julian Edelman.
Via Kris Rhim of ESPN:
To help McConkey avoid such hits, Lal had highlight tapes of receivers Tyler Lockett, whom Lal coached in Seattle, and former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman made.
Lockett and Edelman are similar to McConkey in size but had longevity in the NFL. Edelman played 10 seasons and Lockett is entering his eleventh — partly because of how they learned to avoid unnecessary hits. Both receivers would fall or dive before defenders could touch them, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on their smaller football frames.
Los Angeles Chargers, Ladd McConkey
Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes the touchdown catch against the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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