4 toughest matchups for Troy Pride Jr. in 2020
By Dean Jones
Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers)
The Los Angeles Chargers are expecting some considerable growth from Mike Williams in 2020. The rangy wide receiver enjoyed a career season in 2019 and could take his game to a new level next season.
With Keenan Allen set to require the attention of Carolina Panthers’ No. 1 cornerback Donte Jackson. This leaves Troy Pride Jr. facing the prospect of trying to thwart the substantial threat posed by Williams in almost every situation on the field.
The former seventh overall pick out of Clemson went over 1,000-yards for the first time last term and can hurt an opposing defense in many different ways. He is a big body with a rare speed that makes him a nightmare to cover down the field.
Williams’ frame also comes in handy over intermediate routes and in the red zone. So Pride Jr. has his work cut out trying to limit his influence when they clash in week four.
One thing that could play into Pride Jr.’s hands is the Chargers’ quarterback situation. The team parted ways with Philip Rivers this offseason and it remains to be seen whether Tyrod Taylor or first-round pick Justin Herbert will be under center on opening day.
Regardless of who is named starter early on. The ability to develop chemistry with Chargers’ wideout might be limited due to the coronavirus pandemic. So that should at least give Pride Jr. a chance to be competitive against such a dangerous downfield threat.