Struggled with injuries as he does every season but still appeared in every game. Despite playing a rare full slate, Gates had his worst year since his 2003 rookie season even though quarterback Philip Rivers set his own personal records. The Chargers still have issues at receiver, however, and the team brought back the coach for whom Gates had his greatest seasons, Rod Chudzinksi. Expect Gates' target totals (which sank heavily in 2008) to rebound and the All-Pro to have a nice little comeback.
(’09 Projections: 75 rec, 950 yards, 8 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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Gates was clearly not 100 percent last season and still put up 60 receptions, 704 yards, and eight touchdowns. I still think he’s the best tight end in the league and shows it this season.
('09 Proj: 80 rec, 1,040 yds, 11 touchdowns) ~Robb Perkins
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Gates had a disappointing 2008, as he played through pain most of the year. But he remained a dangerous red zone threat, nabbing eight touchdowns. I think the Chargers will settle into a very well balanced offense this year (after being run heavy or pass heavy the past few years), and Gates remains Rivers’ best option inside the 20 yard line, so there will be plenty of opportunities for him. I think he has one more year at the top of the tight end food chain.
('09 Proj: 1,040 yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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No one hundred yard games and zero games with over eight catches. Major production drop alert here owners. He remains a top red zone target with eight touchdowns and still only 28 years old and playing in a good offense. Expect him to bounce back and produce like the top tight end option that he is.
('09 Proj: 85 rec, 900 yds, 9 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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Gates was bothered by nagging foot injuries all of last season, even though he played through them. Unfortunately, that left fantasy owners holding the bag, as he ended with his lowest output since his rookie season. He should be healthy this year and I expect a return to form.
('09 Proj: 70 rec, 980 yards, 9 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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Gates had a sub-par year primarily due to nagging injuries that hindered him badly. If he’s healthy this season, there’s no reason he can’t regain his status as the number one tight end in fantasy. Keep in mind that these types of injury situations are getting to be very commonplace with Gates, so you can’t count on him being dominant (healthy) all 16 games.
('09 Proj: 70 rec, 850 yds, 8 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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Gates' 60 catches was 6th among tight ends last year. His 704 yds were seventh best and the eight touchdowns? Second. The only other TE that caught more than six touchdowns in 2008 was Tony Gonzalez (10). The above numbers were all personal career lows for Gates across the board! If that was a "down" year, the above is all you really need to know.
('09 Proj: 80 rec, 940 yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins.