Chargers News: Ladarius Green Turning The Hype Into Reality
San Diego Chargers‘ tight end Ladarius Green was one of the most talked about players coming into the 2014 season because of his potential to take over for an aging Antonio Gates. This season sees Green in his last year of his rookie contract in a make or break year. While Gates continued to embarrass defenses on his way to 12 touchdowns, Green caught a career high 19 passes but zero scores.
Green has all the physical tools you look for, and then some, at the position at 6′ 6″ 240 lbs and 4.45 speed, but his limited route tree and injuries have prevented him from getting on the field more. But after a solid off-season for Green, the Chargers are now again expecting great things from him in ’15.
Philip Rivers has even gone so far to say that it’s essential the offense gets him more involved this season after showing huge signs of improvement this off-season. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich also stated that he would be “shocked” if this was not Green’s most productive year.
Another positive sign for Green came from the man in front of him on the depth chart. Future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates came out a publically stated that he would like to see a reduced snap count for him this season. Gates told SI.com writer Peter King that “I’d like to come in on 3rd-and-7’s, redzones, those situations. That’s what my contribution is at anyway.”
This would appear to blow the door wide open for Green who will be counted on to pick up the slack. But this move also makes sense if the Chargers want to lean towards a new identity, pounding the rock.
With an improved offensive line and a new weapon in the backfield, first round pick Melvin Gordon, the Chargers should look to run the ball a lot more than in recent years. This would also be beneficial to Green who is a better blocker, at least from what we’ve seen in a small sample size, than Gates.
With the reduced role the Chargers should be willing to give Gates, all signs point to Green having that signature season Chargers’ fans have been clamoring for. The key will be Green getting accustomed to more snaps through his ability to block for a run game that should be towards the tops in the league.
I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of impact Green can have in a more expanded role in a potent offense and excited in what looks to be a big year for him in 2015. Check back with us at East Village Times as we will update you with all things San Diego Chargers.
Nick was born and raised in San Diego where he became a Chargers and Padres fan, attending numerous home games throughout the years with his dad. He then went on to attend college at the University of Arizona. There he earned his degree in marketing and now lives in San Francisco where he dreams of the the sunny beaches of San Diego. Bear Down.