Antonio Gates (1 Viewer)

[Gr00vus]

Antonio - best season ever by a tight end very possible. At this point I think you have to rate him as one of the top 5 receivers in the game. I think he's still grossly underrated by most fans and most FF players.

San Diego Union Tribune article.

Gates still improving . . . as wide receiver

Versatile TE on pace to rewrite records

By Kevin Acee

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

October 11, 2007

On the Chargers' fifth play Sunday in Denver, going against a cornerback who has been to seven straight Pro Bowls, a stylish new Antonio Gates was on display.

Lined up as a wide receiver at the 34-yard line, with Champ Bailey playing off him 7 yards away, Gates sprinted straight to the 20. There, without slowing, he feinted inside with his upper body. With that movement, Bailey stepped inside and got turned around. Meanwhile, Gates broke outside and was all alone as he caught Philip Rivers' pass going out of bounds at the 11 for a 23-yard gain.

“I would argue with anyone that's the best corner in the NFL,” Rivers said. “And I haven't seen anyone do that on Champ in any film I've watched.”

That would be the first of Gates' seven catches for 113 yards against the Broncos.

With three 100-yard games through five games, Gates is third in the league with 489 yards and second with 40 receptions. No other tight end is within 10 catches or 80 yards.

There is little reason to doubt Gates is on his way to the best season a tight end has ever had. At this rate, Gates will surpass by far the NFL season records for receptions (Tony Gonzalez's 102 in 2004) and receiving yards (Kellen Winslow's 1,290 in 1980).

Moreover, his ascending skills indicate that, if he remains healthy, any career records held by other tight ends are simply being kept warm until Gates can claim them in the coming years.

But confining Gates to one position is perhaps myopic at this point.

“Him being the best tight end in the game right now, I don't think that's an argument,” Rivers said. “I think you can argue about him being the best (receiver).”

Gates, who ranks second in the league in receptions and third in receiving yards, is unconcerned with designations.

“I look at it as more of a role I play,” he said. “I take pride in them believing in me to make a play. I don't say, 'OK, they're calling a tight end route or a receiver route.' I look at it like they're calling my number to make a play.”

He caught two passes at Denver, including that first one and his touchdown reception, having lined up as a receiver. While he still catches most of his passes out of the tight end spot, he is running more varied routes out of more personnel groupings this season.

“That's part of what Norv Turner brings to the table – being able to put me in a position where I have a chance to be successful,” Gates said.

Rivers points out, however, a lot of his being open is Gates' own doing.

“Sometimes he's lined up and there is a guy here and a guy here and they say, 'We're doubling him.' ” Rivers said. “He doesn't move any, and he beats 'em.”

Such a play happened on third-and-9 in the third quarter Sunday. Gates faced two defenders, ran straight, juked right, turned left as safety Nick Ferguson fell for the fake and grabbed a 12-yard pass going left toward the sideline. It was Gates' league-leading 17th third-down reception.

It has come to be taken for granted over the past three-plus seasons how Gates takes the ball away from defenders who seem to have him blanketed.

“It doesn't even matter if you have him covered half the time,” Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said yesterday. “He still makes the play.”

That ability is often attributed to Gates' basketball background and his knack for getting great position. But what is becoming just as common is to see Gates run a pristine route that simply confounds defenders and enables him to make a catch unfettered.

It is startling how often it seems no one is covering him. He appears to surprise defenses sometimes – as if they are unaware he might actually be a target.

Funny, since 32 percent of Rivers' 157 passes have gone to Gates.

Asked how you cover Gates, Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison laughed and said, “I don't know. I guess the first five teams haven't found a way yet.”

It's not an illusion when people remark it appears Gates is hardly running. He has put a lot of work into being a technician, studying film and tweaking his game week to week.

“When you're watching me play now, I'm not this jittery guy,” he said. “I've got a smoothness. I've got a feel for when I can go 100 mph and when I don't have to. It's time, being around guys who know the game – Keenan McCardell, Eric Parker, guys who know route running.”

Gates will talk for an hour about his film study and how he likes to “play chess” with defenders, varying his tendencies in routes. He speaks at length of the trust he and Rivers have built and effusively praises LaDainian Tomlinson's role in his being open.

But he will not address his place in history.

Not about how this season appears headed toward an unprecedented echelon.

“It's too early,” he said. “It's five games.”

And not about a career that could be historic as well.

“It's so far away,” he said. “This is such a short window.”

But it is an interval in which he is clearly getting better, consistently doing things previously unseen.

“I'm not amazed, because I see it every day,” Rivers said. “But it is amazing that you're looking at a tight end who is 260 pounds out there running routes as well a wide receiver.”

Staff writer Jay Posner contributed to this report.

Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.acee@uniontrib.com

 

[AnonymousBob]

In standard scoring leagues, he would rank as the #6 WR. For leagues that require a TE he's been phenomonal. Of course, Witten and Clark are right behind him...

 

[Gr00vus]

In standard scoring leagues, he would rank as the #6 WR. For leagues that require a TE he's been phenomonal. Of course, Witten and Clark are right behind him...

Looking at the FBGs YTD stats, he'd be the #5 WR, just ahead of Steve Smith in total points. And that's with Rivers playing like ### for all but 1 and 3/4 of the games this year. If the Charger offense can stay with what they were doing last Sunday, the sky's the limit for Gates.

 

[drpill]

I love Antonio and he's been untouchable on my keeper team the past three years, but we don't score receptions and he's only had two multiple TD games since 2004 (when he had four).

I say he needs to pick it up.

 

[Despyzer]

I'm still staggering from that thread here a couple days ago claiming that Gates wasn't even the best TE in the league and was grossly overrated.

 

[AnonymousBob]

In standard scoring leagues, he would rank as the #6 WR. For leagues that require a TE he's been phenomonal. Of course, Witten and Clark are right behind him...

Looking at the FBGs YTD stats, he'd be the #5 WR, just ahead of Steve Smith in total points. And that's with Rivers playing like ### for all but 1 and 3/4 of the games this year. If the Charger offense can stay with what they were doing last Sunday, the sky's the limit for Gates.

I stand corrected. If Rivers starts getting his act together, maybe he'll start utilizing all of his wr's instead of leaning on Gates for almost every play.

 

[Gr00vus]

In standard scoring leagues, he would rank as the #6 WR. For leagues that require a TE he's been phenomonal. Of course, Witten and Clark are right behind him...

Looking at the FBGs YTD stats, he'd be the #5 WR, just ahead of Steve Smith in total points. And that's with Rivers playing like ### for all but 1 and 3/4 of the games this year. If the Charger offense can stay with what they were doing last Sunday, the sky's the limit for Gates.

I stand corrected. If Rivers starts getting his act together, maybe he'll start utilizing all of his wr's instead of leaning on Gates for almost every play.

I doubt it. They sort of rediscovered what the offense is based on last week - Tomlinson running, Gates receiving. I don't think we'll see them go to far astray from that going forward. Besides if the WR can some how actually become somewhat consistently productive, it'll just open up more for Gates. He's the top dog there in the receiving game by far. Also Rivers and Turner have both been consistent talking about how they're going to utilize and go to Gates more so than years past. The fact that Gates is lining up all over the formation is evidence of that.

 

[H.K.]

I'm still staggering from that thread here a couple days ago claiming that Gates wasn't even the best TE in the league and was grossly overrated.

I know, some moron was spewing garbage about Gates all of last season saying the same thing. Some people are clueless.Anyway, I am on record as saying that Gates is not only the best TE of all time, but should also be considered the best football player of all time. He has single handedly revolutionized his position and changed the way the game is played.

 

[Hamburglar]

Targeted AG right after the usual top WR's on draft day. Dude is a monster.

 

[redman]

He's no Visanthe Shiancoe.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

HK definitely called this one.

 

[Bannedman]

I'm still staggering from that thread here a couple days ago claiming that Gates wasn't even the best TE in the league and was grossly overrated.

i remember that, what a joke

 

[Gr00vus]

He's no Visanthe Shiancoe.

But hey, who is?

 

[shadyridr]

He would be the #2 WR in my league (TEs get .5 ppr) yet these numbnuts still let him slip to the 3rd round where I scoop him up.

 

[Despyzer]

I know, some moron was spewing garbage about Gates all of last season saying the same thing. Some people are clueless.

I still have you on :ignore: for that, btw.

 

[timschochet]

I'm still staggering from that thread here a couple days ago claiming that Gates wasn't even the best TE in the league and was grossly overrated.

I know, some moron was spewing garbage about Gates all of last season saying the same thing. Some people are clueless.Anyway, I am on record as saying that Gates is not only the best TE of all time, but should also be considered the best football player of all time. He has single handedly revolutionized his position and changed the way the game is played.

I'm not sure you're referring to me, though I did a positional lineup where I had Heap as my number one TE. I never said Gates was "grossly overrated", and I also did a FF lineup where Gates was obviously #1.I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot. I took some flack for this, but you may be referring to some other thread, anyway. Certainly in terms of FF that requires a TE, Gates is arguably the most valuable player at any position.

 

[Bannedman]

I'm still staggering from that thread here a couple days ago claiming that Gates wasn't even the best TE in the league and was grossly overrated.

I know, some moron was spewing garbage about Gates all of last season saying the same thing. Some people are clueless.Anyway, I am on record as saying that Gates is not only the best TE of all time, but should also be considered the best football player of all time. He has single handedly revolutionized his position and changed the way the game is played.

I'm not sure you're referring to me, though I did a positional lineup where I had Heap as my number one TE. I never said Gates was "grossly overrated", and I also did a FF lineup where Gates was obviously #1.I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot. I took some flack for this, but you may be referring to some other thread, anyway. Certainly in terms of FF that requires a TE, Gates is arguably the most valuable player at any position.

You listed Heap as your starting TE in your thread entitled, Best at Each Pos. I remember well enough. Even if he is a RB masquerading as a TE, he is still a TE, there is no defending him not being put there. He may not have the greatest season ever, he may not be the best ever, but he is the best at the position right now. Period.

 

[Rushmore]

I'm still staggering from that thread here a couple days ago claiming that Gates wasn't even the best TE in the league and was grossly overrated.

I know, some moron was spewing garbage about Gates all of last season saying the same thing. Some people are clueless.Anyway, I am on record as saying that Gates is not only the best TE of all time, but should also be considered the best football player of all time. He has single handedly revolutionized his position and changed the way the game is played.

I'm not sure you're referring to me, though I did a positional lineup where I had Heap as my number one TE. I never said Gates was "grossly overrated", and I also did a FF lineup where Gates was obviously #1.I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot. I took some flack for this, but you may be referring to some other thread, anyway. Certainly in terms of FF that requires a TE, Gates is arguably the most valuable player at any position.

 

[gheemony]

In an auction league, I went in to the auction with the intent of willing to pay for Gates what I would pay for a low-to-mid WR1. I got him for a lot less (because no one wants to blow the budget on a TE). He's been a deal. I just ignore titles and assume he is my WR1 or WR2. Then I compare my WR3 to the other teams TEs, and I make out much better. He is a huge advantage to my lineup each week. And the consistency is fantastic too.

 

[AnonymousBob]

In an auction league, I went in to the auction with the intent of willing to pay for Gates what I would pay for a low-to-mid WR1. I got him for a lot less (because no one wants to blow the budget on a TE). He's been a deal. I just ignore titles and assume he is my WR1 or WR2. Then I compare my WR3 to the other teams TEs, and I make out much better. He is a huge advantage to my lineup each week. And the consistency is fantastic too.

That's how I think of him as well. The guy is scoring as much as any wr outside of Moss, and in most auctions/drafts he went at Lee Evans range.I'll give SSOG and HK credit, it's through their arguments that really appreciate his fantasy production. Kudos to you two.

 

[BeachBums]

Read somewhere today under a 'can't keep this up' header that Gates is on track for 128 rec, 1565 yds, 10 TDs.

 

[redman]

Gates worked wonderfully in conjunction with "the Portis strategy" this year. I picked FWP, Gates, then Portis, and they've been very strong (standard performance, non-PPR, TE mandatory). They said I was crazy, and I told them, "That's what they said abou the Son of Sam."

If not for my uncanny ability to fail to pick the right QB to start, I'd be 4-1, but that's a different story.

 

[redman]

Read somewhere today under a 'can't keep this up' header that Gates is on track for 128 rec, 1565 yds, 10 TDs.

Strictly speaking, Gates can keep that up if they keep feeding him. I just think that that offense will get on track at some point so that some of those targets will go to the WR's.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Read somewhere today under a 'can't keep this up' header that Gates is on track for 128 rec, 1565 yds, 10 TDs.

Outside his rookie season, he's had 13, 10, 9 touchdowns each season. So the 10 td's is nothing drastic.He's had 964, 1101 and 924 yards receiving each of those seasons as well. He's obviously on pace for a career season in that regard but why can't he keep it up? Let's pretend he was a wr-would 1500 yards be anything that would wow you? They're using him as much as they can-lining him up as wr, etc. I don't necessarily expect him to actually get that many yards but I'm not sure why someone would think he's not going to be capable of keeping it up.

 

[BeachBums]

Read somewhere today under a 'can't keep this up' header that Gates is on track for 128 rec, 1565 yds, 10 TDs.

Outside his rookie season, he's had 13, 10, 9 touchdowns each season. So the 10 td's is nothing drastic.He's had 964, 1101 and 924 yards receiving each of those seasons as well. He's obviously on pace for a career season in that regard but why can't he keep it up? Let's pretend he was a wr-would 1500 yards be anything that would wow you? They're using him as much as they can-lining him up as wr, etc. I don't necessarily expect him to actually get that many yards but I'm not sure why someone would think he's not going to be capable of keeping it up.

The column was a statistical average piece on where players are with past performance as a reference. If the changes Turner is making with Gates stick I see no reason why he can't reach those numbers.For comparison here are a few other players under that heading:Tom Brady (4400 yds, 51 TDs)Tony Romo (4800 yds, 42 TDs)Brian Westbrook (1500 rush, 10 TDs; 1100 rec, 5 TDs)Randy Moss (109 rec, 1750 yds, 22 TDs)TJ Housh (156 rec, 1450 yds, 20 TDs)Chad Johnson (112 rec, 1980 yds, 12 TDs)Jason Witten (93 rec, 1300 yds, 13 TDs)Under 'can't suck this bad'rew Brees (3700 yds, 4 TDs, 36 ints)

 

[LHUCKS]

Is this a way of diverting the attention from AJ Smith and Phillip Rivers?

Reminds me of when the Giants were in last place, but Barry was chasing the record so nobody cared.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Read somewhere today under a 'can't keep this up' header that Gates is on track for 128 rec, 1565 yds, 10 TDs.

Outside his rookie season, he's had 13, 10, 9 touchdowns each season. So the 10 td's is nothing drastic.He's had 964, 1101 and 924 yards receiving each of those seasons as well. He's obviously on pace for a career season in that regard but why can't he keep it up? Let's pretend he was a wr-would 1500 yards be anything that would wow you? They're using him as much as they can-lining him up as wr, etc. I don't necessarily expect him to actually get that many yards but I'm not sure why someone would think he's not going to be capable of keeping it up.

The column was a statistical average piece on where players are with past performance as a reference. If the changes Turner is making with Gates stick I see no reason why he can't reach those numbers.For comparison here are a few other players under that heading:Tom Brady (4400 yds, 51 TDs)Tony Romo (4800 yds, 42 TDs)Brian Westbrook (1500 rush, 10 TDs; 1100 rec, 5 TDs)Randy Moss (109 rec, 1750 yds, 22 TDs)TJ Housh (156 rec, 1450 yds, 20 TDs)Chad Johnson (112 rec, 1980 yds, 12 TDs)Jason Witten (93 rec, 1300 yds, 13 TDs)Under 'can't suck this bad'rew Brees (3700 yds, 4 TDs, 36 ints)

Interesting. You have a link to that article/thread?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot.

Gates is a better blocker than Heap (or, for that matter, Gonzalez, Winslow, Witten, or Dallas Clark). So while an argument could be made for putting someone like Daniel Graham ahead of Gates as a TE since Gates is "more like a WR," I don't think there's an argument for putting Heap ahead of Gates for that reason. (And like Gates, Heap does line up out wide sometimes.)

 

[Bermuda_Chub]

I was delighted to see Gates listed among the five players in ESPN's poll of GMs/scouts/folks in the know who they unanimously considered the most disruptive gameplan-altering forces in the game (Moss, Manning, Brady, and Steve Smith were the others). I actually own Manning, Smith and Gates in most of my leagues, which made me feel pretty

 

[H.K.]

I know, some moron was spewing garbage about Gates all of last season saying the same thing. Some people are clueless.

I still have you on :ignore: for that, btw.

That thread was the best! IIRC I think I made you so mad you sent me a PM telling me how frustrating I was...sorry about that...... but looking back on it, you have to admit it was pretty funny. The joke ended up being on me though, I couldn't get Gates on my teams this year Good luck the rest of the season

 

[Gr00vus]

Is this a way of diverting the attention from AJ Smith and Phillip Rivers?Reminds me of when the Giants were in last place, but Barry was chasing the record so nobody cared.

If ever a post deserved this , it's this one by LHUCKS.

 

[TBD]

this may sound crazy to some but I think Gates is the 3rd most valuable offensive player in the NFL. Brady and Manning are 1A and 1B.

 

[timschochet]

this may sound crazy to some but I think Gates is the 3rd most valuable offensive player in the NFL. Brady and Manning are 1A and 1B.

Hey I love Gates, but he's not even the most valuable offensive player on his own team, sorry

 

[fsufan]

this may sound crazy to some but I think Gates is the 3rd most valuable offensive player in the NFL. Brady and Manning are 1A and 1B.

Hey I love Gates, but he's not even the most valuable offensive player on his own team, sorry

I would agree when the O line is opening up holes for LT. Their run blocking is bad. aslowho would hurt SD more to lose? LT or Gates? I love LT and he is 3rd best player in the NFL(Manning and Brady are 1A and 1B) but SD does have Turner and would still have a good running game with Turner. SD has no one after Gates.

 

[timschochet]

this may sound crazy to some but I think Gates is the 3rd most valuable offensive player in the NFL. Brady and Manning are 1A and 1B.

Hey I love Gates, but he's not even the most valuable offensive player on his own team, sorry

I would agree when the O line is opening up holes for LT. Their run blocking is bad. aslowho would hurt SD more to lose? LT or Gates? I love LT and he is 3rd best player in the NFL(Manning and Brady are 1A and 1B) but SD does have Turner and would still have a good running game with Turner. SD has no one after Gates.

Turner has looked good but we have no idea what he would do as a starter, and I don't think its safe to make assumptions about him. Gates is one of the most prolific tight ends in the history of football. However, you are talking about what will possbly be considered the greatest RB in the history of football. It's not even a close argument. LT is tons more valuable.

 

[QuizGuy66]

In my league's scoring he's scored more than EVERY RB in the league and is only behind Housh and R Moss in terms of receivers.

Untradable at this point.

-QG

 

[fsufan]

In my league's scoring he's scored more than EVERY RB in the league and is only behind Housh and R Moss in terms of receivers. Untradable at this point.-QG

in my PPR league Gates is 5th, only 1 RB ahead of him, R. Brown

 

[Despyzer]

SD has no one after Gates.

Not even close to true. Manumaleuna is such a solid talent that he has seen a ton of time with the starting unit this year. It's not unusual to see the Chargers lining up with a FB, TB, 2 TEs and 1WR. He may not be the best backup in the league at any position, like Turner is, but he is helluva long way from being "no one."

 

[Despyzer]

I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot.

As MT pointed out, this is highly inaccurate. It's a knee-jerk (and unedecated) assumption that just because a TE catches a lot of balls he must not be much of a blocker.

I took some flack for this, but you may be referring to some other thread, anyway. Certainly in terms of FF that requires a TE, Gates is arguably the most valuable player at any position.

No, I was referring to your thread. Screw FF. For actual FOOTBALL, both Gates and Tomlinson belong in that argument (along with Champ Bailey and a couple of others. Heck, Jamal Williams could even get in on that discussion.)

 

[Despyzer]

Is this a way of diverting the attention from AJ Smith and Phillip Rivers?

Yes, everyone is trying to divert attention away from the embarrassment of the offensive player of the week. It's quite a source of shame. Everyone is trying to live down 13 for 18, 270 yards, 2 TDs and no INTs. I try not to even think about the 62% career completion percentage and the 2 to 1 TD to INT Ratio.

Is it time to start posting recipes again?

 

[timschochet]

I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot.

As MT pointed out, this is highly inaccurate. It's a knee-jerk (and unedecated) assumption that just because a TE catches a lot of balls he must not be much of a blocker.

I took some flack for this, but you may be referring to some other thread, anyway. Certainly in terms of FF that requires a TE, Gates is arguably the most valuable player at any position.

No, I was referring to your thread. Screw FF. For actual FOOTBALL, both Gates and Tomlinson belong in that argument (along with Champ Bailey and a couple of others. Heck, Jamal Williams could even get in on that discussion.)

I take it you're a Charger fan. If Gates, LT, and Jamal Williams are all arguably the most valuable player at any position in actual FOOTBALL (and Im kind of surprised you didn't mention Merriman, as well) what the Hell is wrong with your team? (That's not a rhetorical question, by the way, I am truly stunned at how they've played until this week, and it can't be all Norv, can it?)

 

[Steven Mann]

I feel all warm and fuzzy after reading that!

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

Is this a way of diverting the attention from AJ Smith and Phillip Rivers?Reminds me of when the Giants were in last place, but Barry was chasing the record so nobody cared.

That reminds me... congrats Rivers!Rivers named AFC Offensive Player of the WeekChargers quarterback Philip Rivers turned in one of the best performances of his career last Sunday in Denver and the NFL recognized him for the performance Wednesday. Rivers was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Bolts to a 41-3 win at Denver. Rivers completed 13-of-18 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. His passer rating of 151.4 was his highest single-game total of his career. Coincidentally, his previous career high of 136.0 came against the Broncos last December at Qualcomm Stadium. The honor was Rivers’ second Player of the Week award. He was also recognized last October following his 334-yard, two-touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers. The Bolts’ starting signal caller is also in the running for FedEx Air Player of the Week. Fans can click here to vote for Rivers as well as FedEx Ground Player of the Week nominee Michael Turner.

 

[JimboJim]

I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot.

Gates is a better blocker than Heap (or, for that matter, Gonzalez, Winslow, Witten, or Dallas Clark). So while an argument could be made for putting someone like Daniel Graham ahead of Gates as a TE since Gates is "more like a WR," I don't think there's an argument for putting Heap ahead of Gates for that reason. (And like Gates, Heap does line up out wide sometimes.)

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Gates fan, but I have to disagree. Winslow is a better blocker than Gates. Winslow has been playing TE since high-school; Gates never played football before the pros. If anything, blocking is about the only area Gates can improve in. Witten is fairly solid too; Clark and Gonzalez... not so much.

 

[ComebackKurt]

I'm still staggering from that thread here a couple days ago claiming that Gates wasn't even the best TE in the league and was grossly overrated.

I know, some moron was spewing garbage about Gates all of last season saying the same thing. Some people are clueless.Anyway, I am on record as saying that Gates is not only the best TE of all time, but should also be considered the best football player of all time. He has single handedly revolutionized his position and changed the way the game is played.

Agree with your overall opinion about Gates, unmatched in terms of athleticism and ability, as Steven F Smif would say, HOWEVA, I disagree with you saying he has revolutionized his position Tony Gonzalez did this, Gates just does it BETTER!!!And whoever says gates is overrated needs to take a look at his QB. Putting up the numbers he has with Rivers is in a word, unrevolutionarily ( ) abnormal!

 

[Bannedman]

I wasn't trying to argue against Gates, I just am not sure he is a traditional tight end. He is more a WR who lines up in the TE spot.

Gates is a better blocker than Heap (or, for that matter, Gonzalez, Winslow, Witten, or Dallas Clark). So while an argument could be made for putting someone like Daniel Graham ahead of Gates as a TE since Gates is "more like a WR," I don't think there's an argument for putting Heap ahead of Gates for that reason. (And like Gates, Heap does line up out wide sometimes.)

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Gates fan, but I have to disagree. Winslow is a better blocker than Gates. Winslow has been playing TE since high-school; Gates never played football before the pros. If anything, blocking is about the only area Gates can improve in. Witten is fairly solid too; Clark and Gonzalez... not so much.

And Michael Jordan didn't play varsity basketball until junior year of high school. So? He is the best ever? Just because the dude picked it up late doesnt mean anything...it actually says a lot about his athletic ability, I think.

 

[Despyzer]

For actual FOOTBALL, both Gates and Tomlinson belong in that argument (along with Champ Bailey and a couple of others. Heck, Jamal Williams could even get in on that discussion.)

I take it you're a Charger fan. If Gates, LT, and Jamal Williams are all arguably the most valuable player at any position in actual FOOTBALL (and Im kind of surprised you didn't mention Merriman, as well) what the Hell is wrong with your team? (That's not a rhetorical question, by the way, I am truly stunned at how they've played until this week, and it can't be all Norv, can it?)

I am a Charger fan, and Merriman does deserve to be in that discussion as well. There is no excuse for how poorly they are playing. Too much chest-thumping, too much talking, too many stupid celebrations (idiotic "lights-out" dance), not enough cohesiveness, not enough coaching. Every week ought to be like last week. Two areas that are playing exceptionally poorly are the offensive line and the secondary. I'd say they even have the talent at those positions to get the job done, but they aren't.

 

[Despyzer]

If anything, blocking is about the only area Gates can improve in.

He definitely can improve as a blocker, but that doesn't mean he stinks at it. The scary thing is he is improving at all aspects of the position, even though he has been the clear standout for the last 3+ years.

 

[MNFlyingBoat]

In my league he is #10 receiver, and only the #3 TE behind Clark and Witten, and Ben Watson is right behind him.

takes 20yds for a point and no ppr. So its a heavy TD league at 6 for passing, receiving, or running.

So not such a good deal here.

 

[Assani Fisher]

I was delighted to see Gates listed among the five players in ESPN's poll of GMs/scouts/folks in the know who they unanimously considered the most disruptive gameplan-altering forces in the game (Moss, Manning, Brady, and Steve Smith were the others). I actually own Manning, Smith and Gates in most of my leagues, which made me feel pretty

Is there a link to this article/poll?