Could Alexander Be The Go-To Receiver Down The Stretch?
By Dave Thomas
Danario Alexander, WR #84:
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 217
Age: 24
Hometown: Waco, Texas
College: Missouri
Experience: 3
As the San Diego Chargers walked off the field Sunday with their fourth loss in their last five games, one could not help but wonder if this was yet another nail in the coffin of one Norv Turner. While that thought may very well continue over the remaining seven games for a 4-5 team that could very easily be 8-1, the Chargers did have a few bright spots to relive Sunday in their 34-24 loss at Tampa Bay. One such spot was the play of recently acquired wide receiver Danario Alexander, who saw his most productive day Sunday against the Buccaneers, that is after joining the Bolts just a few weeks ago.
On a day where quarterback Philip Rivers threw one of his most horrific interceptions during his tenure in San Diego, Rivers did hook up with his new acquisition for five receptions and 134 yards. Among those catches was an 80-yard touchdown, one of three Rivers threw on the day.
Of course Sunday's visit to Tampa Bay included seeing former Chargers' receiver Vincent Jackson in the red uniform of the Buccaneers after seven years in the blue and gold. While Jackson took his talents to Florida last offseason for a long-term $55 million deal with the Bucs, he left behind a swirl of controversy as to who would emerge to be the new top receiver in San Diego.
Early odds were it would be Malcom Floyd, who has several years with the Bolts under his belt. While Floyd has had a good season to date (39 receptions, 572 yards, three TD's), Alexander could certainly be another option for Rivers to look to, taking some pressure off Floyd. With his performance in the loss to the Bucs, Alexander gave Charger fans a little more reason to hope that their season is not entirely washed up.
Alexander, Rams Part Company
Not drafted back in 2010 coming out of Missouri, Alexander would eventually be signed that summer by the St. Louis Rams, being promoted to the team's active roster a couple of months later. After making the active roster, Alexander would see action in eight games his rookie season, hauling in 20 passes for 306 yards and one TD.
The following season, Alexander played in 10 games for the Rams, catching 26 balls for 431 yards and two TDs. While Alexander and others may have thought the Mizzou product may land some permanent time in St. Louis in the coming years, that was not to be the case.
Prior to the start of this season, the Rams said goodbye to Alexander, leaving the Chargers and other teams to give him a look. With injuries to both Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal, and with Jackson now catching balls from Josh Freeman in Tampa Bay, the Chargers inked Alexander to a deal in mid-October.
Given that the Chargers' passing game is still literally up in the air heading into this Sunday's biggest AFC West contest in Denver, don't be surprised if Alexander once again emerges as a key go-to guy for Rivers. If nothing else, Floyd and tight end Antonio Gates are not the only options for the Chargers when it comes to going the air route, thanks in part to one Danario Alexander.
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Dave Thomas is a freelance writer covering all things Chargers. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
