Chargers WR Keenan Allen, while scoreless in seven games, hasn't lacked for impact. Defenses have schemed against him differently in year two, an anticipated trend that's presented opportunities elsewhere in the passing game. The effect for Allen is fewer statistical outbursts like the ones he had in Denver last season.
Defensive coaches had months to game plan for him. Allen and the Chargers aren't surprised what came out of it.
"People, they aren't stupid," wide receivers coach Fred Graves said. "They're not just going to let him run free. They're going to take some things away."
Allen has seen more press coverage this year. That is partly why, despite a team-high 34 catches, he has a modest 354 yards. His average yards after the catch is down from 6 to 2.9.
"They're pretty close to me after I catch the ball," Allen said.
The article goes on to explain that the attention that Allen is getting is opening things up for the other Charger receivers, namely Antonio Gates, Malcom Floyd and Eddie Royal. As those players continue to produce, Allen should receive less attention, which should free him up for more big plays.
