Why Gates won't be a top 3 TE (1 Viewer)

[Jed]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets/catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that.

Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et

Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.

Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

 

[footballnerd]

exactly why Nene was so wide open on his 51 yd TD, too bad the SD WRs kept dropping balls or they would of won. Rivers may need to force feed Gates if that keeps up.

 

[B. Nugget]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

The crazy thing is that they showed the coverage on Gates on the 4th down and while he was covered off the LOS with 2 guys, he got open by cutting in front of Eric Berry at roughly the same time Rivers threw the ball, if he would have held on for a split second longer, it might have been a different outcome.That would have been a back breaker for KC going into overtime, they weren't moving the ball at all with their conservative calls. I'm glad Rivers didn't see him!

 

[shnikies]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I think you're crazy. Gates will be a top 3 tight end if not the top tight end. Don't underestimate how immensely talented this guy is.

 

[-jb-]

exactly why Nene was so wide open on his 51 yd TD, too bad the SD WRs kept dropping balls or they would of won. Rivers may need to force feed Gates if that keeps up.

I expect to see improvement on the drops when they play in better weather...but it was a concern.

 

[Hoosier16]

It rained. A lot. Rivers could barely throw the ball.

Does anyone really believe the Chiefs didn't know who the Chargers' most dangerous player was before the game started? At halftime, does anyone really think they said "hey, that Gates guy is pretty good". "Maybe we ought to double and triple him".

Besides, he had 2 catches in the 2nd half for 28 yards.

 

[ponchsox]

Can Gates beat Finley in one-on-one basketball?

 

[Jed]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I think you're crazy. Gates will be a top 3 tight end if not the top tight end. Don't underestimate how immensely talented this guy is.

Who's underestimating his talent? Gates will get his, but enough to beat out Clark, Finley, VD? They also have immense talent, and much better situations.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I don't think there is any reason to not double Gates on obvious passing downs, but I also think he'll be #1 or #2 in FF. He's the best TE and has an elite(-ish) QB.

 

[Jed]

It rained. A lot. Rivers could barely throw the ball.Does anyone really believe the Chiefs didn't know who the Chargers' most dangerous player was before the game started? At halftime, does anyone really think they said "hey, that Gates guy is pretty good". "Maybe we ought to double and triple him".Besides, he had 2 catches in the 2nd half for 28 yards.

My bad, I edited. Still stand by it.

 

[gheemony]

I think the double and triple teaming will have an effect on Gates' stats if other teams follow KC's 2nd half game plan, SD doesn't adjust (split him out very wide, exposing the jam at the line by the LB; deeper routes), and the WRs don't make them pay.

It makes sense for every defense to focus on Gates and Matthews until the WRs make them pay consistently.

It's certainly something to keep an eye on.

 

[shnikies]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I think you're crazy. Gates will be a top 3 tight end if not the top tight end. Don't underestimate how immensely talented this guy is.

Who's underestimating his talent? Gates will get his, but enough to beat out Clark, Finley, VD? They also have immense talent, and much better situations.

See, I don't put him in that same group. Gates is better than those players listed. He's been in this situation before without receivers to rid him of double teams and he consistently puts up big numbers. He did fine before Vincent Jackson ever put on a Chargers uniform. If they have a running game, which I feel they will, he will be just fine. Fine = Top 3 tight end

 

[shnikies]

I think the double and triple teaming will have an effect on Gates' stats if other teams follow KC's 2nd half game plan, SD doesn't adjust (split him out very wide, exposing the jam at the line by the LB; deeper routes), and the WRs don't make them pay.It makes sense for every defense to focus on Gates and Matthews until the WRs make them pay consistently.It's certainly something to keep an eye on.

You can't "focus" on a running back and a tight end with only 9 players or 8 with a single back. To "focus" on a running back you need to put 8 in the box which means man to man coverage on Gates. If you double team Gates you only have 6 or 7 in the box.

 

[zed2283]

Gates will finish as the #1 TE.

 

[Jed]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I think you're crazy. Gates will be a top 3 tight end if not the top tight end. Don't underestimate how immensely talented this guy is.

Who's underestimating his talent? Gates will get his, but enough to beat out Clark, Finley, VD? They also have immense talent, and much better situations.

See, I don't put him in that same group. Gates is better than those players listed. He's been in this situation before without receivers to rid him of double teams and he consistently puts up big numbers. He did fine before Vincent Jackson ever put on a Chargers uniform. If they have a running game, which I feel they will, he will be just fine. Fine = Top 3 tight end

"Better" doesn't always relate to production. Lets say AJ has a down year, because HOU has a new offensive coordinator, they focus on the running game more, Jones/Walter/Daniels are healthy. Does that mean AJ still doesn't have immense talent? Absolutely not.

 

[shnikies]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I think you're crazy. Gates will be a top 3 tight end if not the top tight end. Don't underestimate how immensely talented this guy is.

Who's underestimating his talent? Gates will get his, but enough to beat out Clark, Finley, VD? They also have immense talent, and much better situations.

See, I don't put him in that same group. Gates is better than those players listed. He's been in this situation before without receivers to rid him of double teams and he consistently puts up big numbers. He did fine before Vincent Jackson ever put on a Chargers uniform. If they have a running game, which I feel they will, he will be just fine. Fine = Top 3 tight end

"Better" doesn't always relate to production. Lets say AJ has a down year, because HOU has a new offensive coordinator, they focus on the running game more, Jones/Walter/Daniels are healthy. Does that mean AJ still doesn't have immense talent? Absolutely not.

I haven't heard an argument for why Gates won't be a top 3 tight end yet. He's been double teamed for the fair amount of the last 6 years and has finished outside the top 3 once, yes 4th in 2008.

 

[footballnerd]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I think you're crazy. Gates will be a top 3 tight end if not the top tight end. Don't underestimate how immensely talented this guy is.

Who's underestimating his talent? Gates will get his, but enough to beat out Clark, Finley, VD? They also have immense talent, and much better situations.

I wouldn't exactly say VD's situation is better

 

[Sabertooth]

Can Gates beat Finley in one-on-one basketball?

This is the second thread I've seen you with the Finley BS in. Please add something to a thread once in a while.On Gates, I think he is going to see a ton of targets and the guy's talent is off the charts. He's had to work with weak wideouts in the past and he's been very consistent. I hesitate to say HE WILL BE THE TOP GUY because crazy things happen all the time. But he is my top rated TE this season and I've seen nothing to take me off that stance.Citing one half in which he got 2 for 28 in the rain isn't really even good cherry picking. Projected out he still ends up at 64 catches for the year.

 

[shnikies]

Earlier in a preseason Gates thread, I was criticized for saying Gates will not be a top TE this year. Even after having a good first game, I still stand by it. My contention was that Gates will be doubled/tripled and opposing defenses will make Floyd/Nanee/Davis beat them. It took till the 2nd half for KC to realize that, and they held Gates to 2 targets and no catches. This is the formula to beat the Chargers, and decent opposing D coordinators will realize that. Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I think you're crazy. Gates will be a top 3 tight end if not the top tight end. Don't underestimate how immensely talented this guy is.

Who's underestimating his talent? Gates will get his, but enough to beat out Clark, Finley, VD? They also have immense talent, and much better situations.

I wouldn't exactly say VD's situation is better

Not to mention the other two guys aren't the #1 option on their teams.

 

[ponchsox]

Can Gates beat Finley in one-on-one basketball?

This is the second thread I've seen you with the Finley BS in. Please add something to a thread once in a while.On Gates, I think he is going to see a ton of targets and the guy's talent is off the charts. He's had to work with weak wideouts in the past and he's been very consistent. I hesitate to say HE WILL BE THE TOP GUY because crazy things happen all the time. But he is my top rated TE this season and I've seen nothing to take me off that stance.Citing one half in which he got 2 for 28 in the rain isn't really even good cherry picking. Projected out he still ends up at 64 catches for the year.

A little grumpy today??

 

[bigmiiiiike]

I feel more confident in saying that Gates will finish as the #1 TE in 2010 than I do with regards to saying anyone else will be the #1 player at their position in 2010. What do they always say around here? Talent + Opportunity = Success. Well we all know Gates has the talent, and now his opportunity is greater than it ever has been with the Chargers.

 

[ponchsox]

If Gates finishes first, who rounds out the top 5?

 

[unckeyherb]

with the amount opf drops the rest of the WR corps had, I'd actually bump him up. The guy has been double teamed his entire career and always perforemd at a high level. he a TD monster and is the #1 receiving threat on that team. If Mathews is 75% of what people are projecting him to be, Gates is a lock for TE-1 this year.

If Gates finishes first, who rounds out the top 5?

I'd go:GatesClarkVDWittenFinley

 

[Grahamburn]

Antonio Gates-TE- Chargers Sep. 15 - 10:11 am et

Philip Rivers admitted that the constant double and triple teams on Antonio Gates prevented him from getting the ball to his All-Pro tight end on Monday night.

Gates got loose for 48 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, but the Chiefs then adjusted. "Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts," Rivers said. This is an unintended offshoot of Vincent Jackson's absence. If Malcom Floyd can't step up, Gates is going to see this kind of coverage consistently.

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

I noticed this too. It was a ridiculous coverage scheme, and I'd argue that it didn't really "work." The Chargers moved the ball much more effectively in the second half when KC started covering Gates like that. I doubt many teams will sacrifice two DBs on Gates that close to the line of scrimmage leaving WRs roaming free one on one in the secondary.Sure, you might shut Antonio Gates down, but Rivers will pick a defense apart if they employ coverages like that, which is what he did with the deep ball to Naanee.

5/76/1 in a rainstorm where the offense is struggling is pretty impressive. He's also still the #1 target for his team. I don't think you can say that for the other TEs that would be in the conversation for a top 3 finish.

 

[Jed]

I haven't heard an argument for why Gates won't be a top 3 tight end yet. He's been double teamed for the fair amount of the last 6 years and has finished outside the top 3 once, yes 4th in 2008.

You haven't? The argument is that he will be double/triple teamed. Yes, VJax hasn't always been around, he spot played in Gates first big year, but did D coordinators stay up at night thinking about Gates in his first year? No. Did they in VD's first big year? No. Gates has been around long enough now to be the #1 threat by a large margin in the SD passing game, this year more than ever. I knew this opinion would be unpopular, that's why I posted it. Bump it in the end of the year and call me stupid, I want you to.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

We'll see what happens in the next few weeks, but I think Monday night's weather had a lot to do with the fact that it was hard to complete passes to WRs.

I don't think it's an accident that Tony Moeaki was the Chiefs' leading receiver. The Chiefs' WRs as a group totaled two catches for 27 yards on the night combined. (McCluster also had 2 catches for 9 yards, but he was not split out as a true WR when he got those catches; both plays were quick screens to him in the slot that he caught behind the line of scrimmage.)

People are talking about the Chargers' WRs' drops, but there weren't many. Maclom Floyd caught a deep ball early in the game that he dropped when he was hit hard by the DB, if you want to call that a drop. Naanee had a crucial drop in the fourth quarter; the ball was thrown high and it was a difficult catch in the rain, but he definitely should have had it. Aside from that, the incompletions were either uncatchable or would have been extremely difficult catches (including when the receivers slipped).

Teams will double-team Gates like they always have. And Gates will still get his numbers like he always has. They won't be able to triple him in normal weather.

 

[Sabertooth]

Can Gates beat Finley in one-on-one basketball?

This is the second thread I've seen you with the Finley BS in. Please add something to a thread once in a while.On Gates, I think he is going to see a ton of targets and the guy's talent is off the charts. He's had to work with weak wideouts in the past and he's been very consistent. I hesitate to say HE WILL BE THE TOP GUY because crazy things happen all the time. But he is my top rated TE this season and I've seen nothing to take me off that stance.Citing one half in which he got 2 for 28 in the rain isn't really even good cherry picking. Projected out he still ends up at 64 catches for the year.

A little grumpy today??

Not at all. Please contribute something.

 

[shnikies]

I haven't heard an argument for why Gates won't be a top 3 tight end yet. He's been double teamed for the fair amount of the last 6 years and has finished outside the top 3 once, yes 4th in 2008.

You haven't? The argument is that he will be double/triple teamed. Yes, VJax hasn't always been around, he spot played in Gates first big year, but did D coordinators stay up at night thinking about Gates in his first year? No. Did they in VD's first big year? No. Gates has been around long enough now to be the #1 threat by a large margin in the SD passing game, this year more than ever.

I knew this opinion would be unpopular, that's why I posted it. Bump it in the end of the year and call me stupid, I want you to.

I didn't know he hasn't seen double coverage for the past 6 years. You still haven't made an argument. Your opinion isn't popular because it's brutally flawed.

 

[Jed]

I haven't heard an argument for why Gates won't be a top 3 tight end yet. He's been double teamed for the fair amount of the last 6 years and has finished outside the top 3 once, yes 4th in 2008.

You haven't? The argument is that he will be double/triple teamed. Yes, VJax hasn't always been around, he spot played in Gates first big year, but did D coordinators stay up at night thinking about Gates in his first year? No. Did they in VD's first big year? No. Gates has been around long enough now to be the #1 threat by a large margin in the SD passing game, this year more than ever.

I knew this opinion would be unpopular, that's why I posted it. Bump it in the end of the year and call me stupid, I want you to.

I didn't know he hasn't seen double coverage for the past 6 years. You still haven't made an argument. Your opinion isn't popular because it's brutally flawed.

Will you be around in 4 months if it's not?

 

[Jed]

http://www.4for4.com/fantasy-football/news/item/15247

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/se...repeat-history/

Tight end Antonio Gates hasn't seen double teams (even triple teams) like that since before Jackson was who he became and Chris Chambers arrived in October 2007. After Gates caught a 34-yard pass and then a four-yard touchdown on the Chargers’ second possession, the Chiefs decided to make life difficult on Gates.

“Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts,” Rivers said of the Chiefs attempting to rough up Gates at the line of scrimmage.

 

[goodoldalky]

The ability of KC to double and triple team Gates was a product of the weather. In normal conditions, Rivers would have roasted them down the field, but turns out he can't throw a wet ball accurately more than 10 yards.

The idea that Gates won't be a top 3 TE because he's so immensely talented and often targeted that other teams will be unable to resist the urge to triple team him... just doesn't make sense IMO

 

[Jayrod]

Gates had a catch and run in the second half that was very impressive. He stopped and started like a stud running back. Amazing body control and acceleration for such a big body.

 

[DoubleG]

The ability of KC to double and triple team Gates was a product of the weather. In normal conditions, Rivers would have roasted them down the field, but turns out he can't throw a wet ball accurately more than 10 yards.The idea that Gates won't be a top 3 TE because he's so immensely talented and often targeted that other teams will be unable to resist the urge to triple team him... just doesn't make sense IMO

The combination of his talent (to get open, catch the ball, run after the catch) combined with Rivers' talent (ability to get Gates the ball even in traffic, pick teams apart when they focus too much on Gates, etc.) coupled with the huge number of targets he will receive (likely even more than usual with VJ not there) could yield near-TE-record #'s (barring injury). Anyone predicting gloom and doom because he "only" was tied for the team lead in receptions and "only" had 76 yards and TD - or put another way, the TE3 in most leagues this week - on a rainy night, in the first game of the season might be a little paranoid.

 

[Marauder]

http://www.4for4.com/fantasy-football/news/item/15247

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/se...repeat-history/

Tight end Antonio Gates hasn't seen double teams (even triple teams) like that since before Jackson was who he became and Chris Chambers arrived in October 2007. After Gates caught a 34-yard pass and then a four-yard touchdown on the Chargers’ second possession, the Chiefs decided to make life difficult on Gates.

“Their coverage looked like guys covering a gunner on punts,” Rivers said of the Chiefs attempting to rough up Gates at the line of scrimmage.

As has been pointed out already, this was a direct result of the weather conditions. Rivers was unable to throw deep accurately and the WR's were slipping making their cuts. The KC defensive coaches caught onto this and made the adjustment to shut down Gates.If anything I think you might see the opposite effect in future games. If teams go into the game with the intention of shutting down Gates, Rivers will toast them deep forcing them to put more coverage on the WR's and loosening up the coverage on Gates in the second half.

 

[BoltBacker]

Tight end Antonio Gates hasn't seen double teams (even triple teams) like that since before Jackson was who he became and Chris Chambers arrived in October 2007.

And before that?I seem to remember Gates being a pro-bowl seasons with Eric Parker as the #2 receiver in the offense. People used to say the same thing about T.Gonzales every year in the KC offense as well, yet he kept on producing. This is a lot like the annual "This year people are going to stack 8 in the box vs <top 5 RB>". The reason these guys are in the probowl every year is because they can produce even against double teams and 8 men in the box.I hope every opponent triple teams Gates all season long personally because I'm a SD fan. That would just make every other offensive player look like a pro-bowler which is why it will never happen. Maybe for a stretch, maybe in a goal line situation but no way is any NFL defense going to commit the entire middle of their defense to a single receiver all game long.

 

[Goldfinger007]

I hate to break it to you Gates owners, but if that O-line doesn't pick it up a notch, he won't even crack the top five. While the pass blocking was at least mediocre, the run blocking was putrid. There weren't many running or cut back lanes and the KC front 7 was getting way too much penetration. If SD can't run the ball, they're going to become way too predictable.

 

[Gr00vus]

I hate to break it to you Gates owners, but if that O-line doesn't pick it up a notch, he won't even crack the top five. While the pass blocking was at least mediocre, the run blocking was putrid. There weren't many running or cut back lanes and the KC front 7 was getting way too much penetration. If SD can't run the ball, they're going to become way too predictable.

Yes, the Chargers having to pass more, and potentially needing to check down to targets more quickly due to penetration, will most certainly hinder Gates's stats. It's rock solid reasoning like this that makes early season shark pooling so enjoyable.

 

[Goldfinger007]

I hate to break it to you Gates owners, but if that O-line doesn't pick it up a notch, he won't even crack the top five. While the pass blocking was at least mediocre, the run blocking was putrid. There weren't many running or cut back lanes and the KC front 7 was getting way too much penetration. If SD can't run the ball, they're going to become way too predictable.

Yes, the Chargers having to pass more, and potentially needing to check down to targets more quickly due to penetration, will most certainly hinder Gates's stats. It's rock solid reasoning like this that makes early season shark pooling so enjoyable.

Umm, more three and outs and being much much more predictable around the goal line helps Gates does it

 

[Gr00vus]

I hate to break it to you Gates owners, but if that O-line doesn't pick it up a notch, he won't even crack the top five. While the pass blocking was at least mediocre, the run blocking was putrid. There weren't many running or cut back lanes and the KC front 7 was getting way too much penetration. If SD can't run the ball, they're going to become way too predictable.

Yes, the Chargers having to pass more, and potentially needing to check down to targets more quickly due to penetration, will most certainly hinder Gates's stats. It's rock solid reasoning like this that makes early season shark pooling so enjoyable.

Umm, more three and outs and being much much more predictable around the goal line helps Gates does it

Yes, things should be much worse for him this year, as opposed to last year when they had that dominant run game, had so few three and outs, and were so unpredictable.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Gates had a catch and run in the second half that was very impressive. He stopped and started like a stud running back. Amazing body control and acceleration for such a big body.

While watching that game I was amazed how big he is. He's a huge guy. Sort of looks a little chubby these days, which I don't remember him looking in years past. He really moves well though.

 

[shnikies]

Gates had a catch and run in the second half that was very impressive. He stopped and started like a stud running back. Amazing body control and acceleration for such a big body.

While watching that game I was amazed how big he is. He's a huge guy. Sort of looks a little chubby these days, which I don't remember him looking in years past. He really moves well though.

He's always been a beast. I challenge you to find someone faster with a behind that big. It's mind-boggling and the thought of having to tackle him seems ludicrous to me.

 

[footballnerd]

with the amount opf drops the rest of the WR corps had, I'd actually bump him up. The guy has been double teamed his entire career and always perforemd at a high level. he a TD monster and is the #1 receiving threat on that team. If Mathews is 75% of what people are projecting him to be, Gates is a lock for TE-1 this year.

If Gates finishes first, who rounds out the top 5?

I'd go:GatesClarkVDWittenFinley

close that gap, I would say Clark is even or beats out Gates for top TE

 

[nysportsfan]

Gates had a catch and run in the second half that was very impressive. He stopped and started like a stud running back. Amazing body control and acceleration for such a big body.

While watching that game I was amazed how big he is. He's a huge guy. Sort of looks a little chubby these days, which I don't remember him looking in years past. He really moves well though.

I thought that too late year, but he has yet to show any signs of slowing down. The guy is awesome, fast, very sure hands, and can get open on almost anyone. He might not finish #3 or higher, but it will be damn close.

 

[netnalp]

I think it'll be the biggest problem when the Chargers are in the red zone. With the shorter field the WRs can be safely single covered and gates can be triple covered. Someone else need to show their a threat to open Gates up.

I do think in that game, Rivers getting upset affected his play. To a lesser extent it reminded me of Jeff George. George was worse, when he got upset every pass was a bullet.

 

[shadyridr]

I hate to break it to you Gates owners, but if that O-line doesn't pick it up a notch, he won't even crack the top five. While the pass blocking was at least mediocre, the run blocking was putrid. There weren't many running or cut back lanes and the KC front 7 was getting way too much penetration. If SD can't run the ball, they're going to become way too predictable.

cuz they ran the ball so well last yr

 

[Fantaholic]

He's actually the best bet to finish as the top tight end.

 

[Goldfinger007]

I hate to break it to you Gates owners, but if that O-line doesn't pick it up a notch, he won't even crack the top five. While the pass blocking was at least mediocre, the run blocking was putrid. There weren't many running or cut back lanes and the KC front 7 was getting way too much penetration. If SD can't run the ball, they're going to become way too predictable.

cuz they ran the ball so well last yr

Folks, this ain't rocket science. Its about the matchups. Think about the x's and o's for minute. Or better yet, from the perspective of an opposing safety. Last year, their running game wasn't stellar, but they had an 1,100+ yd, 9 TD receiving threat on the outside drawing the safeties' attention. If you focused on Gates, VJ would kill you and vice-versa. A few years back, they didn't have a big time receiving threat, but they had a future Hall of Fame RB in his prime running wild. What I'm getting at is that in either case, there was someone else to help draw the defense's attention...ie cause matchup nightmares. Who is that on this team? If the OL keeps playing like they did, do you honestly think the running game is going to scare anyone? Who is that threat on the outside? Floyd? Naanee? Granted they may be decent fantasy starts, but I don't think they have any DC's sitting up at night? What says you? Who is going to help take the focus off Gates? So now from an x's and o's perspective, how has Gates' situation improved from prior years? What exactly is it about defensive coordinators now being able to draw up a gameplan centered around stopping (or limiting more like it) Gates that makes him in a better situation?

 

[BRONG]

I agree with the OP, didn't consider drafting him at all. Besides the WR issues, he doesn't look, run or jump like he used to. He's not aging as well as say, Gonzo did. Am I wrong? Still a top TE obviously, but he was almost going in drafts where he was going in his prime - when LT was on top too. A lot has changed.

 

[gkza]

GAtes owner here.

If he is getting 5/76/1 on days when he is triple teamed on the road, I am very happy. Thats better than several WR1s put up this week. I am not worried if he finishes 1,2,3... so what ?

Most weeks in a head to head format he will out score your opponents TE and in weeks like this, several teams' WR1.

 

[shnikies]

I hate to break it to you Gates owners, but if that O-line doesn't pick it up a notch, he won't even crack the top five. While the pass blocking was at least mediocre, the run blocking was putrid. There weren't many running or cut back lanes and the KC front 7 was getting way too much penetration. If SD can't run the ball, they're going to become way too predictable.

cuz they ran the ball so well last yr

Folks, this ain't rocket science. Its about the matchups. Think about the x's and o's for minute. Or better yet, from the perspective of an opposing safety. Last year, their running game wasn't stellar, but they had an 1,100+ yd, 9 TD receiving threat on the outside drawing the safeties' attention. If you focused on Gates, VJ would kill you and vice-versa. A few years back, they didn't have a big time receiving threat, but they had a future Hall of Fame RB in his prime running wild. What I'm getting at is that in either case, there was someone else to help draw the defense's attention...ie cause matchup nightmares. Who is that on this team? If the OL keeps playing like they did, do you honestly think the running game is going to scare anyone? Who is that threat on the outside? Floyd? Naanee? Granted they may be decent fantasy starts, but I don't think they have any DC's sitting up at night? What says you? Who is going to help take the focus off Gates? So now from an x's and o's perspective, how has Gates' situation improved from prior years? What exactly is it about defensive coordinators now being able to draw up a gameplan centered around stopping (or limiting more like it) Gates that makes him in a better situation?

Gates' situation hasn't improved, he wont finish higher than the best tight end. You're right.