Los Angeles Chargers: The offensive and defensive MVPs
By Jason Reed
Honorable mentions:
- Keenan Allen:
Keenan Allen caught fire alongside Philip Rivers during the Chargers’ hot streak and was Rivers’ number one target throughout the year. Overall, Allen made 102 receptions for 1393 yards with six touchdowns. He became the first player in NFL history with three straight 10+ receptions, 100+ yards, 1+ touchdown games and finished third in the NFL in receiving yards.
- Melvin Gordon
Melvin Gordon seemed to be relatively quiet in 2017 yet put together his best year as a professional yet. The third-year back surpassed 1000 rushing yards for the first time in his career with 1105 yards. With 476 receiving yards and 12 combined touchdowns, Gordon was a consistent offensive threat. Overall, this was good enough for the fifth most yards from scrimmage this year.
- Melvin Ingram
Joey Bosa’s right-hand man easily could have also walked away with the honors as the Chargers’ defensive MVP. Ingram reeled in 43 tackles and finished just behind Bosa with 10.5 sacks. Ingram was considered the fifth-best edge rusher in pressuring the quarterback this season by Pro Football Focus.
- Casey Hayward
Casey Hayward was the vulture that would pick up what was left of quarterbacks after Bosa and Ingram got their hands on them. Thus, Hayward picked off opposing quarterbacks four times this season and was great at locking down the best opposing receivers. Hayward’s 42.7% catch percentage was the second lowest in the league.
- Tre Boston
Another surprise breakout, Tre Boston was huge for the Los Angeles Chargers in his first season with the team. Boston led the team in interceptions (five) as well as finishing third on the team with 56 tackles.
Next: Who cracks the Chargers Mount Rushmore?
- Desmond King
The last honorable mention on this list, Desmond King was a huge asset for this Chargers defense in just his first professional season. King had one interception for a 90-yard pick six as well as recording 61 tackles and four sacks. King’s four sacks were tied for the most amongst defensive backs.