Allen has since been more durable as he’s now played in 160 career games, including 150 starts.
Of course, playing quarterbacks such as Rivers and Herbert has made for a fun career for a player who exudes personality and flash on a daily basis.
Allen joined the Chargers for the second half of Rivers career.
“Phil was just older and knew the game at such a high level. It was crazy good how he could see the defense and then tell the defense what they’re doing,” Allen said. “The defense would be lined up wrong and he could put them in their spots. That was uncoachable.”
“Me and Phil had a connection where we’d come out and had a route on but we’d look at each other and realize, ‘Hey, this is that one we talked about watching film.’ So we did that,” Allen added.
Herbert, on the other hand, had Allen as a resource when he was a 2020 first-round pick.
In a way, Allen said, the roles then became reversed a bit.
“Just playing with them at two different times in their careers,” Allen said. “Obviously, having Justin as a rookie, he was much younger.
“Herbert, his talent is just through the roof,” Allen continued. “His arm strength, the way he plays the game with confidence, it’s great.”
“I try to be the Phil in certain instances, especially on third down,” Allen added. “A few years ago, I used to be the only receiver who could [change] his route. So, I would pump the route based on what we’d seen during the game. We’ve been able to make it come to life.”
