San Diego Chargers: Travis Benjamin Better Than Advertised
By Andrew Long
The signing of wide receiver Travis Benjamin wasn’t highly publicized when it took place, but I believe that he has the ability to become a solid, consistent player for the San Diego Chargers moving forward.
The San Diego Chargers added Travis Benjamin to their roster during the free agency period, a move that supplies quarterback Philip Rivers with a plethora of receiving options in the passing game. The addition didn’t garner much attention at the time, but, in my opinion, San Diego’s overlooked acquisition of Benjamin was one of the best signings in all of free agency.
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Before signing on with the Chargers, Travis Benjamin was a member of the Cleveland Browns, a franchise that has struggled to find a reliable quarterback. The lack of strong play at quarterback certainly limited the production that Benjamin was capable of, but, even with a number of switches at the QB position last season, he still managed to put together a strong campaign – which happened to be the best season of his four-year career.
The 26-year-old wideout secured 68 receptions for 966 yards and five touchdowns in 2015, numbers that blew his production from previous years out of the water. In fact, his numbers from last season were better than the stats he posted in the previous three years combined. In 38 games between 2012 and 2014, Benjamin registered 41 receptions (27 less catches) for 717 yards (249 less yards) and five scores (the same amount of touchdowns).
While Benjamin didn’t produce on a regular basis until last season, I believe that he has turned a corner in terms of skill level and understanding of the professional game. That being said, I foresee the San Diego Chargers being the team that benefits from his recent development.
At this point in his career, it’s clear that Benjamin understands how to succeed at the professional level. He managed to post solid numbers for a team with cringeworthy quarterback play. Theoretically, he should be able to flourish in San Diego, as he finally has competent players around him on offense.
Philip Rivers is leaps and bounds better than any quarterback he has played with in his career. This alone should contribute to his success moving forward. On top of that, though, Benjamin will also be surrounded by players who are playmakers in their own right, something that should help clear up opportunities for him in the passing game.
Antonio Gates, even at the age of 35 years old, is a threat as a pass-catching tight end. Keenan Allen, in my opinion, is one of the top receivers in the game when healthy and must be accounted for on all plays. Even the team’s slot receiver, Stevie Johnson, is a capable option.
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Travis Benjamin managed to record solid stats for the Cleveland Browns, a team with a history of poor quarterback play and very little talent on the offensive side of the ball. If he was able to accomplish what he did with his supporting cast in Cleveland, I cannot wait to see what he does with a legitimate quarterback and talented group of players in San Diego.