It seemed Chargers TE Ladarius Green was off and running toward a fine career, until he faded from the offense last season.
Green didn't have a bad year, but the Chargers want, and likely need, better from him now.
With Antonio Gates guaranteed to miss the first four games, Green will be asked to move the chains and make blocks.
The Chargers, to put it in culinary terms, need him to supply something hearty and reliable -- along with his rare long speed that is fine etoufee.
Green, 25, got that done Saturday against the Cardinals in a preseason game the story pointed out. It was a workmanlike, if limited, performance, and that was encouraging. He moved the chains on third down, with a Gates-type play we've seldom seen from him. As the story said, Green has a chance to open some eyes as he fills in for Gates for the first four games. The team will likely include Gates back in the offense upon his return, but this is a big chance for Green to prove he's at least in the conversation as future TE1 for the Bolts.
