Watch CBS News

Chargers Sign Alexander, Need To Find Help To Go With Floyd

By Dave Thomas

If you watched the San Diego Chargers a week ago Monday in their second half meltdown against Denver, several things were apparent.

Among the noticeable gaps on this squad that night and other times this season, the lack of another quality receiver to go with Malcom Floyd. Yes, letting Vincent Jackson go in the off-season to Tampa Bay continues to look more and more like a mistake by the Bolts.

While Jackson was commanding high dollars to stay in Southern California and you could certainly see an argument from San Diego's side of not wanting to pay the money given Jackson's off the field antics at times, the guy can play.

vincent_jackson_2.jpg

So, with the 2012 Chargers needing more than just Floyd's talents at the wide receiver position, the team went out in the off-season and got Robert Meachem from New Orleans and Eddie Royal from Denver. A good call or a 15-yard penalty for incompetence on the part of management?

Heading into this Sunday's game at Cleveland, Meachem and Royal have combined on 25 receptions for 287 yards and three TD's. While Meachem is averaging 15.8 yards per catch, Royal is at 7.8 yards a reception.

Okay, not atrocious numbers, but still not statistics that will blow Charger fans away...or opponents, for that matter.

In the meantime, Floyd has been the workhorse at the wide receiver position, hauling in 25 receptions for 418 yards and a TD. To date, Floyd has averaged 16.7 yards a catch.

Whether Meachem and Royal are not getting enough work is due to Floyd's emergence as the top receiver, or perhaps the fact that the former have dropped some rather catchable balls to date, can be questioned. One thing for certain, Floyd can't do it alone.

As a result, the Chargers announced this week that they had inked Danario Alexander to a deal.

Can Alexander Escape The Injury Bug?

With two years in the League under his belt, Alexander has tallied 46 receptions for 737 yards and three scores, all with the St. Louis Rams.

The biggest challenge to date for the Missouri product has been staying healthy, as Alexander has dealt with several knee injuries, then a hamstring injury that led to the Rams releasing him.

So, can Alexander be the missing link on the offensive side of the ball when quarterback Philip Rivers goes looking for someone other than Floyd?

Charger fans may get that answer as soon as this Sunday, as Alexander is expected to be ready to go when San Diego visits Cleveland.

For a Charger squad looking to right the ship after a pair of tough loss, having another weapon to go to who can make big plays would certainly help in that effort.

If Alexander proves not to be the answer, look for Floyd, along with veteran tight end Antonio Gates, to continue to be the go-to targets for one Philip Rivers.

For more Local Football Bloggers and the latest Chargers news, see CBS Sports Los Angeles.

Dave Thomas is a freelance writer covering all things Chargers. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.