Chargers: Startling stats show Chris Simms is wrong about Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers wideout Keenan Allen is rarely mentioned in the same breath as the league’s elite

The Chargers enter a bizarre, new world as training camp opens up. It looks like there will be no preseason games and a slight decrease in the amount of players brought to camp.

To go with these weird times, the team also begins a season with a new starting quarterback and no Melvin Gordon. For the first time in nearly two decades, Philip Rivers won’t be in a Chargers uniform. There are a lot of changes, but one thing remains constant: Wide receiver Keenan Allen is still here.

The 28-year-old wideout has been a staple in the Chargers’ offense for seven seasons now, and has done more than enough to establish himself among the NFL’s elite at the position. Yet, some don’t seem to think so.

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms and current NBC Sports personality revealed his top 10 wide receivers in the NFL on Tuesday, and let’s just say it’s a bit questionable.

Fellow AFC west wideout Tyreek Hill is at the top, which might be a little too high. I suppose an argument could be made, but as you go down the list, it’s startling to not see a few names there.

First and foremost, Davante Adams is not amongst his top 10. Second, another AFC West receiver finds himself on the list, but it’s not Allen. It is Courtland Sutton of the Denver Broncos.

Now, nothing against Sutton. He’s a fine player and should be very good for a long time. But, top 10? That’s absurd. He doesn’t belong in this conversation. There’s a ways to go for a kid like him.

The other objection most would agree with is having Stefon Diggs on the list. Again, he’s a great player. But, he’s not top 10. No chance.

Let’s get back to Allen, now. Not having Allen in your current top 10 wide receivers in the league seems completely laughable. It’s downright disrespectful to a guy who is, in actuality, a top-5 receiver in some major categories. Chargers team reporter Chris Hayre sheds a little light on just how good Allen has been as of late.

There was once a time when Allen’s injuries scared people off from placing him in the top tier, especially when it comes to the fantasy football community. But, he has not missed a single game in three seasons. And, as one can see, those three seasons have been stellar.

Simms is just fine saying that a guy who is third in all of football in receptions, somehow, doesn’t belong in the top 10 at his position? Obviously, the yardage number is monstrous as well. The overall production speaks for itself.

Simms is obviously out for attention and ratings, and that’s exactly what he’s getting. That’s perfectly fine. But, let it be known that Allen is elite — period. There is zero debate about that.