What is Antonio Gates' ceiling for this season? (1 Viewer)

[Bender]

Gates looked absolutely dominate against one of the best defenses in football yesterday.

He's got a QB who presumably is progressing, plays in an offense in which people predominately will be keying in on the running game first and foremost which prevents defenses from keying in on him, soley...and the Chargers have replaced on of the most conservative coaches in football (Marty) with one of the best offensive coaches in football (Norv).

Is it possible this guy will be even better this year? How high can he go? His career highes are 89 receptions, 1101 yards, and 13 TDs...I could definitely see him surpassing both receptions and yardage totals...TDs could be a toss up...they're harder to predict.

 

[AnonymousBob]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

 

[faux_bear]

It's hard to know based on one game, but I have to think that the stoudt Bears Defense may have helped Gates get better numbers than what may be typical this season.

For one, the Chargers clearly realized they couldn't run the ball after the first few LT runs, so they started passing more.

In your average Chargers game, LT will run the ball more, which should limit Gates production a bit more.

Vincent Jackson and Craig Davis were smothered all day yesterday. Gates was the only real option at receiver.

I'm a Gates owner, so I certainly hope he can do better than his career best, but his career best is pretty damn good. I don't know if it's realistic.

 

[Banger]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

 

[Bender]

It's hard to know based on one game, but I have to think that the stoudt Bears Defense may have helped Gates get better numbers than what may be typical this season.For one, the Chargers clearly realized they couldn't run the ball after the first few LT runs, so they started passing more.In your average Chargers game, LT will run the ball more, which should limit Gates production a bit more.Vincent Jackson and Craig Davis were smothered all day yesterday. Gates was the only real option at receiver.I'm a Gates owner, so I certainly hope he can do better than his career best, but his career best is pretty damn good. I don't know if it's realistic.

Gates posted his career highs under Marty's offense, though....and Marty would have ran 60 times a game if he could have. Wouldn't Turner calling the shots suggest a little bit more open offense which would mean more potential looks for Gates?Most of those throws to Gates on Sunday didn't look like check downs...they looked like plays designed for him to be the primary target all along.

 

[BroadwayG]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

 

[jonessed]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

:X This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

 

[mrspree15]

The Bears have had a top 5 D against tight ends for the past 3 years, so Gates' performance was very very impressive. I especially liked his 13 targets, it felt like Rivers was looking for him all the time.

 

[redman]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

 

[wraith5]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

I drafted him in the 3rd and couldn't be higher on the guy, but folks need to calm down just a bit. LT rushed 17 times for 25 yards. You think that had anything to do with the play calling going Gates way?!??

 

[Gr00vus]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

As I've been saying all preseason, it's going to be a big year for Gates (and Rivers, although it wasn't for him yesterday).Antonio will approach 90+ receptions, 11 Tds and 1000 yards this year minimum.

 

[tommyGunZ]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

I drafted him in the 3rd and couldn't be higher on the guy, but folks need to calm down just a bit. LT rushed 17 times for 25 yards. You think that had anything to do with the play calling going Gates way?!??

Perhaps, but a more effective LT means more red zone opportunities for Gates. As a couple of Charger homer have mentioned above, there was lots of preseason chatter about Gates playing a more prominent role in the offense this year. Week 1 only served to support that chatter.

 

[jonessed]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

I drafted him in the 3rd and couldn't be higher on the guy, but folks need to calm down just a bit. LT rushed 17 times for 25 yards. You think that had anything to do with the play calling going Gates way?!??

Not really. They used LT quite a bit in the passing game. He may have had fewer touches than normal, but not by much.

 

[redman]

With Randy Moss and TO showing their age a bit nowadays, I don't think there's another receiving target in the who creates more mismatch problems for defenses than Gates.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

I drafted him in the 3rd and couldn't be higher on the guy, but folks need to calm down just a bit. LT rushed 17 times for 25 yards. You think that had anything to do with the play calling going Gates way?!??

Not really. They used LT quite a bit in the passing game. He may have had fewer touches than normal, but not by much.

They also gave Turner 10 carries and Neal got 4. 31 (non-QB) rushing attempts is right in line with San Diego's usual attempts compared to last year.

 

[tangfoot]

With Randy Moss and TO showing their age a bit nowadays

They are?

 

[Ilov80s]

With Randy Moss and TO showing their age a bit nowadays, I don't think there's another receiving target in the who creates more mismatch problems for defenses than Gates.

Showing their age? I think the 280 yards and 3 TDs pretty much proved the opposite- they are not yet past their prime.

 

[sholditch]

yeah, count me in as surprised on that one too. Gates is clearly the go-to receiver in that offense. I hope we can expect more of the same but it's more likely that teams key on him more after last game, and more likely that LT sees more of the offense and thus limits Gates somewhat. Needless to say, no matter what Edge does tonight I'm happy I traded him for Gates. Gates should be good for a 3-4 point advantage over every other TE ranked in the top ten and probably a 6-8 point advantage against all the other ones.

 

[redman]

With Randy Moss and TO showing their age a bit nowadays, I don't think there's another receiving target in the who creates more mismatch problems for defenses than Gates.

Showing their age? I think the 280 yards and 3 TDs pretty much proved the opposite- they are not yet past their prime.

I agree it hasn't shown up statistically just yet for TO, but have we suddenly forgotten the last three seasons from Moss? I also think that TO has shown some signs of slowing. Let's revisit this later in the season.

 

[wraith5]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

I drafted him in the 3rd and couldn't be higher on the guy, but folks need to calm down just a bit. LT rushed 17 times for 25 yards. You think that had anything to do with the play calling going Gates way?!??

Not really. They used LT quite a bit in the passing game. He may have had fewer touches than normal, but not by much.

They also gave Turner 10 carries and Neal got 4. 31 (non-QB) rushing attempts is right in line with San Diego's usual attempts compared to last year.

That's a very good point - I didn't look at the total carries before I posted. Still, I think the 2.5 YPC for the team factored into Gates getting 9 catches. Since he won't be getting anywhere near 144 catches this year, I think it's safe to say he will regress towards the mean a bit.

 

[wraith5]

yeah, count me in as surprised on that one too. Gates is clearly the go-to receiver in that offense. I hope we can expect more of the same but it's more likely that teams key on him more after last game, and more likely that LT sees more of the offense and thus limits Gates somewhat. Needless to say, no matter what Edge does tonight I'm happy I traded him for Gates. Gates should be good for a 3-4 point advantage over every other TE ranked in the top ten and probably a 6-8 point advantage against all the other ones.

There is one MAJOR reason teams can't key in on Gates...

 

[Flexmaster]

Gates is like a Lotus Blossom

As the Lotus opens it takes time to fully mature, when it does it a splendid view

 

[redman]

Gates is like a Lotus Blossom

As the Lotus opens it takes time to fully mature, when it does it a splendid view

Authentic.

 

[Dought Man]

The thing you have to love as a Gates owner is, he was lined up on the outside a lot more than I saw last year. He's too big for a corner and too athletic for a linebacker. The safeties typically cannot cheat to Gates as they have to be wary of Tomlinson.

Nice to see Norv designing more plays specifically for Gates. With Marty last year, I got the feeling Gates was underutilized, though I can't blame him too much, with the year Tomlinson had.

I was very surprised that the Bears seemed to "lose" Gates in the secondary 6-7 times yesterday. He was wide open for 16-18 yard catches quite often. They really sold out on stopping Tomlinson's video game heroics and Gates was the main beneficiary.

 

[sholditch]

yeah, count me in as surprised on that one too. Gates is clearly the go-to receiver in that offense. I hope we can expect more of the same but it's more likely that teams key on him more after last game, and more likely that LT sees more of the offense and thus limits Gates somewhat. Needless to say, no matter what Edge does tonight I'm happy I traded him for Gates. Gates should be good for a 3-4 point advantage over every other TE ranked in the top ten and probably a 6-8 point advantage against all the other ones.

There is one MAJOR reason teams can't key in on Gates...

Because you need 11 defenders to track LT? I think people can certainly key on him more than the Bears did. He's amazing but put two guys on him all game and you won't see those kinds of numbers.

 

[Gr00vus]

Additonally Rivers has pretty much said he's going to get the ball to Gates more often regardless of coverage, unlike last year. Last year Rivers would read Gates as covered and go elsewhere. This year he's said even if Gates is covered sometimes, he's still going to go his way with the ball, expecting Gates to make the play regardless. The int Rivers threw yesterday was exactly that - Gates had double coverage and Rivers went there anyway. Awful throw though. Had it been near Gates it might have worked out, or at least not been intercepted.

 

[red]

He's in for a huge year. All offseason there have been quotes stating that Norv is dialing up tons of new plays for Gates and plans on getting him the ball more this year.

This has been the talk around the Chargers training camp all year. Gates was going to be in the mix a lot more from a lot of different positions.

I drafted him in the 2nd round of my redraft league and people were saying that I was crazy. I told them that we'll see about that.

I drafted him in the 3rd and couldn't be higher on the guy, but folks need to calm down just a bit. LT rushed 17 times for 25 yards. You think that had anything to do with the play calling going Gates way?!??

Not really. They used LT quite a bit in the passing game. He may have had fewer touches than normal, but not by much.

They also gave Turner 10 carries and Neal got 4. 31 (non-QB) rushing attempts is right in line with San Diego's usual attempts compared to last year.

i suspect those carries were more due to the fact that LT didn't take a snap in preseason and needs to grow into the position over the next two weeks.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

That's a very good point - I didn't look at the total carries before I posted. Still, I think the 2.5 YPC for the team factored into Gates getting 9 catches. Since he won't be getting anywhere near 144 catches this year, I think it's safe to say he will regress towards the mean a bit.

Obviously, every player will have ups and downs. And looking at it a little more closely, the Chargers did throw a little more than I would expect them to every week (32 pass attempts -- including LT's TD -- and 5 rushes by Rivers -- not sure how many of those were sneaks and/or kneeldowns). So I think there is some validity to the theory that Gates was a bigger factor due to an ineffective ground game, but he is undoubtedly their biggest weapon in the passing game, surpassing even LT, IMO.

 

[Dought Man]

yeah, count me in as surprised on that one too. Gates is clearly the go-to receiver in that offense. I hope we can expect more of the same but it's more likely that teams key on him more after last game, and more likely that LT sees more of the offense and thus limits Gates somewhat. Needless to say, no matter what Edge does tonight I'm happy I traded him for Gates. Gates should be good for a 3-4 point advantage over every other TE ranked in the top ten and probably a 6-8 point advantage against all the other ones.

There is one MAJOR reason teams can't key in on Gates...

Because you need 11 defenders to track LT? I think people can certainly key on him more than the Bears did. He's amazing but put two guys on him all game and you won't see those kinds of numbers.

Umm.. couldn't you say that about ANY receiver or tight end? If only defense were so easy. "Well, just put 9 guys on Tomlinson and 2 on Gates and you win."If only it were so simple.

 

[wraith5]

That's a very good point - I didn't look at the total carries before I posted. Still, I think the 2.5 YPC for the team factored into Gates getting 9 catches. Since he won't be getting anywhere near 144 catches this year, I think it's safe to say he will regress towards the mean a bit.

Obviously, every player will have ups and downs. And looking at it a little more closely, the Chargers did throw a little more than I would expect them to every week (32 pass attempts -- including LT's TD -- and 5 rushes by Rivers -- not sure how many of those were sneaks and/or kneeldowns). So I think there is some validity to the theory that Gates was a bigger factor due to an ineffective ground game, but he is undoubtedly their biggest weapon in the passing game, surpassing even LT, IMO.

Undoubtedly. It's a pick your poison situation playing against SD - the Bears choose Gates & the passing game. If they had a decent offense, it would have worked out very well for them. Frankly, I hope more teams take a page from the Bears and stack the line to stop LT, giving Gates even more opportunities.

 

[SSOG]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

 

[[icon]]

Own him in every league this year except for a league where he was taken 2.01 in a 12 teamer.

1200-12 is about where I see him this year.... Absolutely sick production when you consider it will be coming out of your TE slot.

 

[Tau837]

It's hard to know based on one game, but I have to think that the stoudt Bears Defense may have helped Gates get better numbers than what may be typical this season.

For one, the Chargers clearly realized they couldn't run the ball after the first few LT runs, so they started passing more.

In your average Chargers game, LT will run the ball more, which should limit Gates production a bit more.

Vincent Jackson and Craig Davis were smothered all day yesterday. Gates was the only real option at receiver.

I'm a Gates owner, so I certainly hope he can do better than his career best, but his career best is pretty damn good. I don't know if it's realistic.

Their RBs had 31 carries yesterday. As a team, their RBs averaged 28.8 carries per game last year. ETA: I see this was already covered.

 

[glumpy]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

Normally I might agree with you but not with LT. I believe he has had two td's passing in each of the past two years--and he doesn't attempt more than a few passes per season.

 

[SSOG]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

Normally I might agree with you but not with LT. I believe he has had two td's passing in each of the past two years--and he doesn't attempt more than a few passes per season.

Okay, fine, so Gates is on pace for 2 TDs this season. My point still stands. Total bust.

 

[jonessed]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

Normally I might agree with you but not with LT. I believe he has had two td's passing in each of the past two years--and he doesn't attempt more than a few passes per season.

Okay, fine, so Gates is on pace for 2 TDs this season. My point still stands. Total bust.

You think based on that game Gates is going to be a bust?

 

[SSOG]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

Normally I might agree with you but not with LT. I believe he has had two td's passing in each of the past two years--and he doesn't attempt more than a few passes per season.

Okay, fine, so Gates is on pace for 2 TDs this season. My point still stands. Total bust.

You think based on that game Gates is going to be a bust?

Yes. My logic should be obvious. Throw out his one fluke TD and he's on pace for zero scores all season long. Total bust. Some people must have their tags disabled. I'm poking fun at the "on pace for" crowd while simultaneously poking fun at the "throw out his one play..." crowd.

 

[jonessed]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

Normally I might agree with you but not with LT. I believe he has had two td's passing in each of the past two years--and he doesn't attempt more than a few passes per season.

Okay, fine, so Gates is on pace for 2 TDs this season. My point still stands. Total bust.

You think based on that game Gates is going to be a bust?

Yes. My logic should be obvious. Throw out his one fluke TD and he's on pace for zero scores all season long. Total bust. Some people must have their tags disabled. I'm poking fun at the "on pace for" crowd while simultaneously poking fun at the "throw out his one play..." crowd.

That's possible. It's late and I was watching the Arizona vs. SF game. If you can call it that.

 

[glumpy]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

Normally I might agree with you but not with LT. I believe he has had two td's passing in each of the past two years--and he doesn't attempt more than a few passes per season.

Okay, fine, so Gates is on pace for 2 TDs this season. My point still stands. Total bust.

You think based on that game Gates is going to be a bust?

Yes. My logic should be obvious. Throw out his one fluke TD and he's on pace for zero scores all season long. Total bust. Some people must have their :X tags disabled. I'm poking fun at the "on pace for" crowd while simultaneously poking fun at the "throw out his one play..." crowd.

Aaaaahhhhhh...Gotcha! I was actually responding to the "fluke" part of Tomlinson's pass and totally missed your point.

 

[redman]

He's on pace for over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Bah, throw out his lackluster 2nd and 4th quarter and he'd be on pace for 224/2752/32.

Yeah, but throw out that fluke TD pass from Tomlinson (c'mon, halfback passes are TOTAL flukes) and suddenly his TD pace drops to 0. Do you really want a #1 TE who isn't going to see the end zone again all season?

Normally I might agree with you but not with LT. I believe he has had two td's passing in each of the past two years--and he doesn't attempt more than a few passes per season.

Okay, fine, so Gates is on pace for 2 TDs this season. My point still stands. Total bust.

You think based on that game Gates is going to be a bust?

Yes. My logic should be obvious. Throw out his one fluke TD and he's on pace for zero scores all season long. Total bust. Some people must have their tags disabled. I'm poking fun at the "on pace for" crowd while simultaneously poking fun at the "throw out his one play..." crowd.

SSOG is amphibious.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Gates sitting at WR #3 (1 pt behind Plax) overall in PPR leagues.