Keenan Allen's Impact Plays for the Los Angeles Chargers

Over 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, wide receiver Keenan Allen has cemented himself as one of the franchise’s greatest playmakers—a consistent force whose ability to turn routine catches into game-changing moments has defined countless Chargers victories. From acrobatic touchdowns in crunch time to record-breaking receptions that kept playoff hopes alive, Allen’s impact plays aren’t just highlights; they’re chapters in Chargers history. What sets Allen apart isn’t just his talent (though his 900+ career receptions and 10,000+ yards speak for themselves) but his knack for delivering when the stakes are highest—whether it’s a fourth-down catch to extend a drive or a last-minute touchdown to seal a win. Keenan Allen's Impact Plays for the Los Angeles Chargers explores the most memorable moments of his career, how they shaped the team’s success, and why he’s regarded as one of the NFL’s most reliable clutch performers.

Keenan Allen's Impact Plays for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his iconic “Miracle in Miami” catch in the 2018 regular-season finale—a play that kept the Chargers’ playoff hopes alive. Facing the Miami Dolphins with a spot in the postseason on the line, the Chargers trailed 31-24 with 1:05 left in the fourth quarter, facing a fourth-and-10 from their own 25-yard line. Quarterback Philip Rivers dropped back, scrambled to avoid pressure, and launched a deep pass toward Allen, who was double-covered by Dolphins cornerbacks. Allen adjusted mid-air, leaped over both defenders, and hauled in the 43-yard catch with one hand, landing safely in bounds to keep the drive alive. Three plays later, Rivers connected with Allen again for a 5-yard touchdown, and the Chargers went on to win 30-24, clinching a playoff berth. “That catch summed up everything Keenan is,” Rivers said in a 2023 interview. “He doesn’t just make plays—he makes impossible plays. I threw that ball hoping he’d have a shot, but he turned it into something special. That play didn’t just win us a game; it saved our season.” The catch was later named the NFL’s “Play of the Year” and remains one of the most replayed moments in Chargers history.

A second defining impact play in Allen’s career is his 2020 AFC Wild Card Game touchdown catch against the Baltimore Ravens—a clutch score that gave the Chargers an early lead in a high-stakes playoff matchup. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, entered the game as heavy favorites, but Allen set the tone early. On the Chargers’ second drive, quarterback Justin Herbert dropped back on third-and-5 from the Ravens’ 12-yard line, targeting Allen in the end zone. Allen ran a quick slant route, broke free from Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters, and caught Herbert’s pass for a touchdown, giving the Chargers a 7-0 lead. Later in the game, Allen added a 23-yard catch on third-and-10 to set up another Chargers touchdown, finishing with 11 receptions for 172 yards—both playoff career highs. Though the Chargers ultimately lost 23-17, Allen’s performance was a masterclass in playoff resilience. “Keenan showed why he’s a franchise player that day,” said Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, who was then the team’s defensive coordinator. “He didn’t let the moment overwhelm him—he embraced it. Every time we needed a big play, he was there. That’s the mark of a true leader.” The game solidified Allen’s status as a playoff performer, proving he could elevate his game when the Chargers needed it most.

Keenan Allen's Impact Plays for the Los Angeles Chargers also includes his record-breaking 11th consecutive 100-yard game in 2022—a historic play that tied Calvin Johnson’s NFL record and highlighted his unmatched consistency for the Los Angeles Chargers. Facing the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, Allen entered the game needing 100 yards to tie Johnson’s mark, and he wasted no time. On the Chargers’ first drive, he caught a 15-yard pass from Herbert; later, he added a 22-yard gain on third-and-7 to keep a drive alive. In the third quarter, he sealed the record with a 38-yard catch over Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, hauling in the pass while being tackled and rolling to the ground, still holding on to the ball. Allen finished the game with 11 receptions for 145 yards, tying Johnson’s record and leading the Chargers to a 30-27 win. “Breaking records wasn’t the goal—that win was,” Allen said after the game. “But to be mentioned in the same breath as Calvin Johnson? That’s an honor. This team believed in me, and I just wanted to give them everything I had. For the Los Angeles Chargers, consistency matters, and I take pride in showing up every week for my teammates.” The record wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a testament to Allen’s durability and work ethic, especially after overcoming multiple knee injuries earlier in his career.

Another unforgettable impact play is Allen’s game-winning touchdown catch in the 2023 Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears—a last-minute score that snapped the Chargers’ three-game losing streak and reignited their season for the Los Angeles Chargers. Trailing 17-13 with 28 seconds left, the Chargers started a drive from their own 20-yard line. Herbert connected with Allen three times in a row—for 12, 18, and 25 yards—moving the ball to the Bears’ 25-yard line. With 8 seconds left, Herbert dropped back and targeted Allen in the end zone, who ran a fade route, leaped above Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and caught the 25-yard touchdown pass with 3 seconds remaining, giving the Chargers a 20-17 win. Allen finished the game with 14 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. “Keenan has this ability to slow down the moment,” Herbert said after the game. “When the clock is winding down and everyone else is panicking, he’s calm. He tells me to trust him, and I do. That touchdown wasn’t just a play—it was a turning point for our season. For the Los Angeles Chargers, having a player like Keenan means you always have a chance to win, no matter how much time is left.” The win sparked a four-game winning streak for the Chargers, keeping their playoff hopes alive deep into the season.

Finally, Keenan Allen's Impact Plays for the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with his role in the 2021 “Monday Night Football” comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders—a game where he delivered multiple impact plays to erase a 14-point deficit for the Los Angeles Chargers. Trailing 20-6 in the third quarter, Allen took over, catching a 30-yard pass to set up the Chargers’ first touchdown, then adding a 15-yard reception on third-and-10 to keep the next drive alive. In the fourth quarter, with the Chargers trailing 23-20, Allen made the play of the game: a 42-yard catch on fourth-and-10, where he broke free from Raiders cornerback Casey Hayward, caught Herbert’s deep pass, and ran to the Raiders’ 5-yard line—setting up a game-tying field goal. The Chargers went on to win 28-23 in overtime, with Allen finishing with 11 receptions for 177 yards. “That game showed Keenan’s heart,” said Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. “He didn’t let us quit when we were down. Every time we needed a spark, he provided it. For the Los Angeles Chargers, that’s the kind of leadership you can’t teach—it’s something you’re born with. Keenan’s impact goes beyond the stats; it’s about the way he lifts this team up when we need it most.” Over the years, Allen’s impact plays have not only won games—they’ve defined the Chargers’ identity, making him a fan favorite and a franchise legend. Keenan Allen's Impact Plays for the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that while talent can make a player good, the ability to perform when it matters most makes a player great—and Allen is one of the greatest to ever wear a Chargers uniform.