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San Diego Chargers: Danny Woodhead’s Value

By Noah Goldstein

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates his touchdown reception with running back Danny Woodhead (39) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) celebrates his touchdown reception with running back Danny Woodhead (39) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was no coincidence that the year that the San Diego Chargers signed Danny Woodhead (2013), the team went to the playoffs.

It was no coincidence that, even in a season of despair (2015), Woodhead led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. It was no coincidence that the first Charger to score four times in a game since LaDainian Tomlinson was Danny Woodhead.

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After the 2012 season, the Chargers were looking to replace the likes of passing back Darren Sproles. The team was mostly trying to figure out how to replace Sproles’ average per year combined yards between rushing and receiving at 766. Woodhead has gone above and beyond in this category with an average combined yards between rushing and receiving of 1,063 yards.

Woodhead also serves as Philip Rivers‘ safety valve on most passing plays. Consistently on third down plays, Woodhead can be seen finding space on routes and sitting there in order to maintain a constant receiving threat for Rivers.

Sep 20, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) runs the ball in front of quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated San Diego 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY SportsSep 20, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA;in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated San Diego 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) runs the ball in front of quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated San Diego 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY SportsSep 20, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA;in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated San Diego 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Of his 80 receptions in 2015, 36 percent of his catches and half of Woodhead’s receiving touchdowns came on third down.  Woodhead also serves as a premier blocking back in some situations; the running back is adept at recognizing and picking up blitzers to protect his quarterback.

When Woodhead had an ankle injury in 2014 that caused him to be out for the season, many fans and players alike were in misery. In one individual practice, Ryan Mathews wore Woodhead’s number 39 as a tribute to the injured player, per Chargers.com‘s Ricky Henne.

Mathews was quoted as saying, “Danny has been a great teammate, but more than that, a great friend.”

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Front offices look for this type of player when trying to upgrade their teams. Tom Telesco and the Chargers had no clue that Woodhead would result in this type of impact on the team. For the Chargers to improve on their 4-12 record in 2015 and possibly fight for a spot in the postseason, they will need Danny Woodhead to be more valuable than ever.

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