Antonio Gates Unlikely to See Full Action

by John B on Oct 21, 2011 10:25 AM EDT

Antonio Gates is likely to see limited action this week if that.

A healthy Gates presents a matchup nightmare for the Jets. We all know by now the strength of the linebackers and safeties on the team is not coverage, particularly against an athletic freak like Gates. Even a slightly compromied Gates is reason for concern in the few game reps he gets.

The tight end being limited makes the defense's task a bit simpler. It makes it more likely Darrelle Revis sees more time against Vincent Jackson if Jackson plays himself. If Gates was 100%, I could see the physical Revis getting time in that linebacker/corner hybrid spot Charles Woodson plays a lot for Green Bay.

Two years ago in the Playoffs, Kerry Rhodes played a huge game for the Jets. Part of the excellent job he did was handling Gates. Rhodes is now gone. On top of this, the Chargers now can run the ball effectively unlike two years ago, which makes going smaller more difficult. An unhealthy Gates makes things much simpler.

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From what I've read

He will primarily be playing red zone snaps, which is really the bane of the Chargers. So, not playing full time only helps if the Jets can stop SD from making it inside the 20.

6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.

That was fast.

by SD FTW on Oct 21, 2011 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Thank God

Hope they decide its not worth him giving it a go at all.

by Crackback on Oct 21, 2011 1:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I hear that, I hope they think so too. I hope they see something that keeps him off the field.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f**k it, I don't care what you think."-Roy McDonald

by Noble_Lance on Oct 21, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions