Los Angeles Chargers: Three standouts from Week 1 vs. Indianapolis Colts

For the first time since 2015, the Los Angeles Chargers will start the season off in the win column after defeating the Indianapolis Colts.

Week one was full of ups and downs for the Los Angeles Chargers. A game which seemed to be in control never fully was, but it did end up to be a great roller coaster ride of a game.

For the Chargers, there were plenty standouts, here are the top three standouts from the week one Chargers game.

1. Austin Ekeler

Week one’s obvious standout is Austin Ekeler. Austin was quite the standout in the Week 1 win. He finished the game with only 55 yards rushing, yet he still impacted the team the most. Austin snagged a rushing touchdown and two receiving touchdowns while also having 96 yards receiving on the day.

Ekeler was a key player in the Chargers’ opening game. He stood out among the rest with the touchdowns and great play and even had the game-winning touchdown in overtime. It’s clear from here on out that Ekeler will be getting the most play while Melvin Gordon remains away from the team.

I don’t see Ekeler slowing down much either. He seems to be locked in and ready to become the lead back for the Chargers. I would just say: don’t expect every single game to be as spectacular as game one.

2. Thomas Davis

The veteran linebacker brought on this offseason had himself quite a good game. Thomas Davis managed to get 14 total tackles, the most on the team. Seven total tackles by himself and also getting seven assisted tackles on the day.

Davis was all over the field and quite effective at it too. The veteran linebacker proved that there is still more in the tank for him. If leading the team in tackles doesn’t show how great he was from game one, I don’t know what will.

Davis seems to have filled a leadership/veteran role, that still allows him to be one of the better linebackers on the field. Also, by the looks of the defensive stats, one of the better tacklers on the Los Angeles Chargers defense. Can he sustain this type of play all year? I couldn’t tell you, but based off of Week 1, he was the clear defensive stand out.

3. Keenan Allen

I know, I know. How can a Pro Bowl top receiver be a standout in Week 1? Well, simple, Keenan was the clear-cut best and only consistent receiver on the team in week one. The second receiver behind him in yards and catches was Mike Williams, who only had two catches on the day for 29 yards…

The other two behind Keenan in receiving yards were not receivers. Ekeler and Hunter Henry. Now, with Mike Williams and Hunter Henry hurt, I might expect more receptions from Keenan, Ekeler, Travis Benjamin and Dontrelle Inman.

Let’s get back to the main focus here though, Keenan was almost unstoppable in the Week 1 game. Posting eight receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown! Keenan is a clear standout and star for this Los Angeles Chargers team moving forward; who are already short on offensive weapons this year.

I would expect, week in and week out, as long as he is on the field, Keenan will lead the team in receptions and yards every single game. With what looks like to now be an even more short-staffed offense. I expect Keenan will be called upon even more.

I would expect both Keenan and Ekeler to maintain their production over the course of the season. Thomas Davis is a question mark to me. With him being an older player, I don’t think he can keep up his play from Week 1.