The Los Angeles Chargers were amidst an offensive slump after a brutal loss to the Baltimore Ravens. They could not put up more than 17 points in the next three games. This slump can be attributed to a lot of different things, but the most obvious was the loss of standout running back, JK Dobbins. However, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh had a plan.
Without their star back, it forced the Chargers to rely on guys who are less dynamic, less experienced, or have yet to prove themselves in the league. One of these backs to step up was former Harbaugh favorite, Michigan Wolverine and Tennessee Titan, Hassan Haskins.
Hassan Haskins: Michigan Wolverine Standout
Coming out of Michigan, Hassan Haskins was coached under Harbaugh. He was the workhorse back his senior season, running for 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns in 14 games. With a strong stature of 6’2 230, The Titans decided to draft the touchdown machine in the fourth round to backup Derrick Henry.
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His first season in Tenessee was lackluster on offense, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt, with a total of 25 carries. This is usually the case for rookie runners, as they are given very few touches a game, not allowing them to get a real feel for NFL running lanes and pursuit angles.
Haskins, however, found his spot on special teams. He returned kicks for the Titans, but he was really special on coverage units. He had 13 tackles, which was tied for 16th across the entire NFL.
Unfortunately for the big Michigan runner, his very next season ended before it began. After spending the offseason with the team who drafted him, he was released by the Titans with an injury settlement, due to an undisclosed ankle injury.
Haskins found himself looking for another chance, as he had shown some promise in his young career. Here comes his former coach, Harbaugh to pick up the pieces for Haskins.
Jim Harbaugh Knew Something Was Left In His Former Starting Runner
The day after his release, Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh decided to bring in Haskins and give him a shot in Los Angeles. The move was made to bolster their special teams unit, and give more depth at running back on a run-heavy team.
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At first with the Bolts, Haskins was used very sparingly on offense, playing no more than six snaps. His role was short-yardage situations, using his large frame in relief of then-injured Gus Edwards. Whether it was converting fourth and shorts or scoring leaping touchdowns, Haskins found a niche in the Chargers offense.
He scored his first career touchdown against his former team, showing how much Harbaugh really wanted Haskins to get his revenge.
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He did this while proving to the team he was a good pickup for the special teams unit, recording a 70.2 special teams PFF grade.
Stepping Up When Called Upon
Then came the JK Dobbins injury in Week 12. The loss of Dobbins showed that they desperately needed someone to step up in pass protection, and Haskins showed promise in that regard.
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Haskins moved up the depth chart, playing more snaps than normal, mainly as a pass-catching outlet… who didn’t really get many targets.
Continuing to do the dirty work for the Bolts, Haskins was finally rewarded against the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Haskins caught the game-clinching pass from a scrambling Justin Herbert, taking it all the way to the house for his first-ever receiving touchdown. He was the hero who sealed the deal for the Chargers, giving them nearly a 100% chance of making the playoffs.
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A week later, Dobbins returned against the Patriots. Dobbins’ backup, Edwards was out with an ankle injury, and that once again allowed Haskins to be a role player on offense, playing 28 snaps, and recording 40 scrimmage yards on nine touches.
From being an afterthought on the Titans team, to a Chargers role player who has succeeded in any role asked of him, the Jim Harbaugh favorite, Hassan Haskins has been the playmaker the Chargers have been looking for.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
