I’m firmly within the nook of it is best to by no means pay a operating again for all of the cliche arguments that go together with it. But there are exceptions to each rule, like when a operating again is extra receiver than Derrick Henry. Quarterbacks love having outlet guys on their crew, and like you could possibly argue that in 2022 Austin Ekeler was to Justin Herbert what Travis Kelce is to Patrick Mahomes.
That’s why the information that Los Angeles is, predictably, letting Ekeler seek a trade as a result of their proprietor is a infamous cheapskate who San Diegans hate like J. Jonah Jameson hates Spider-Man. Like their views relating to poor individuals typically, Los Angelenos are apathetic to Dean Spanos, in order that they don’t actually have an opinion on the Chargers both.
Having mentioned that, I care about Herbert as a result of it’s extra enjoyable when proficient quarterbacks aren’t mired on piss-poor groups.
Ekeler is a QB’s greatest pal
The seven-year professional led the NFL in receptions by a operating again in 2022, catching 107 balls, 22 greater than the subsequent closest man (Christian McCaffrey, 85). The Chargers restructured Keenan Allen’s deal final week, and for what? So they might trade the quarterback’s favourite goal? Mike Williams led the crew in yards — which is why it was so tragic when he acquired damage in meaningless motion on the finish of the 12 months, and purpose No. 628 why Brandon Staley ought to be fired* — however Ekeler had 44 extra grabs than him and 35 greater than the subsequent closest Bolt.
(*Staley nonetheless has a job as a result of Spanos is just too low cost to fireplace him.)
Justin Herbert is the primary purpose consultants are optimistic about Chargers soccer. That’s it. They have some good, sometimes nice ability guys, and Ekeler has confirmed to be nice since he’s taken on the No. 1 position. There are well being considerations, certain, however he solely had 204 carries a 12 months in the past, good for twentieth within the league.
If you need your franchise quarterback to belief the group and develop inside it, it actually helps to maintain his emergency outlet. Ekeler’s worth is nearly as essential within the air as it’s on the bottom, and due to this fact he is likely to be undervalued just because he’s not on the wideout market.
I wrote a column within the preseason predicting Ekeler would fall off as a result of one of many consensus prime 5 fantasy operating backs at all times does**. He had his most yards from scrimmage as a professional. (My dangerous.) Pay that man (Ekeler) his cash.
(**Jonathan Taylor was your prime 5 lemon.)
Whenever Herbert wanted to get again to 3rd and manageable, or convert third and manageable, he at all times appeared Ekeler’s manner. It’s a particular bond between quarterback and receiver, one which I’m struggling to give you a metaphor for. So, umm, go fuck your self, San Diego?
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