Los Angeles Chargers

Is Ladarius Green finally ready for a major role on the Chargers?

Published Jul. 2, 2015 2:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Ladarius Green has felt this kind of pressure before.

Every offseason, it seems, he's expected to step his game up for the Chargers. And every regular season, Antonio Gates still does the heavy lifting at tight end.

It's a contract year for Green in 2015. He knows it's time to iron out the issues that held him back in previous seasons.

I’ve got a lot to work on, from route-running, to blocking and catching -- everything,” Green told ESPN. “(2014) could have been a lot better."

Head coach Mike McCoy figures to put Green's focus to the test this fall. Gates has been age-defying, but he can't possibly expect another 12-touchdown season.

Green can shoulder some of his burden in two-tight end sets, a staple of McCoy's offense during the Chargers' 2013 playoff run. San Diego took fewer snaps out of that personnel group last season thanks to Green's health and a bevy of other reasons.

To his credit, Green won't make any excuses. He's working to become the player Gates has been for so long.

"I was hurt," he explained. "I’ve got to try and stay healthy. And I’ve got to try and do what I can for the team. I’ve still got a lot to improve on.”

(h/t ESPN)