San Diego Chargers 2010 Tight End Preview
Antonio Gates
Gates has had some injury problems over the last few years that
prevented him from returning to the top of the heap at the tight
end position, but 2009 he saw his highest totals in yards and catches
in four years. In fact, it was his highest yardage total of his
career. Gates, even when battling injuries remains onse of the most
consistent tight ends in football and he is playing in a contract
year which makes him a safe high-pick in your fantasy football draft.
Having a great Tight End insures your fantasy tight end will get
plenty of catches. Gates has been Rivers' main target since a rookie,
so the development of receiver Vincent Jackson (suspended for the
first three games of 2010) and Malcom Floyd will only help take
the pressure of Gates by drawing extra coverage to the sidelines
and down the field.
The offensive line had excellent pass-blocking in 2009 so Phillip
Rivers should have the time to find all his receivers including
Gates. The hope is the offensive line improves its run-blocking
for the Chargers #1 draft pick, running back Ryan Mathews, to really
get double-coverage away from Gates and allow him to work over the
middle and have another big fantasy season in 2010.
2009 Statistics:
79 Rec - 1,157 Yds - 8 TD's
2010 Projection: 80
Rec - 948 Yds - 9 TD's
