But can Gates end barren spell?
Friday 12 December 2014 20:43, UK
The San Diego Chargers host the Denver Broncos on Sunday in what could ultimately be the franchise’s last match at the Qualcomm Stadium in the Californian city, live on Sunday at 9pm on Sky Sports 2.
Week 15 of the regular season could see the Chargers under their current guise competing on home turf for the final time because they haven’t yet confirmed their presence in San Diego for 2015.
Los Angeles, another city in California, has been courting a NFL franchise of its own and could contemplate taking the Chargers away from their current home.
If the Chargers are to succeed in an emotional afternoon for many fans, key to their chances is Philip Rivers. A quarterback adept at the physical side of the game, his willingness to stand in the pocket and take hits has allowed the Chargers to amass four players with at least 550 yards receiving and four touchdowns to date.
Rivers’ distribution of the football, however, has not helped Antonio Gates to end his barren spell. Possibly the last afternoon at the Qualcomm would be the ideal time for tight end Gates to score his first touchdown since October 23. The future Hall of Famer has fired blanks since registering against the Broncos seven weeks ago.
Rivers may come under more pressure due to his team’s injury crisis at centre. Five injuries in that single position plays into the Broncos' hands on Sunday - the visitors have blitzed 34 percent of the time the past three games, compared with 15 percent prior. Rivers may embrace the pain of being a quarterback but may have a lot on plate this weekend.
The Chargers are unlikely to be able to call upon Ryan Mathews – the wide receiver was on the path back from injury after an ankle complaint until he was hurt against the Patriots last week.
Worries
Rivers’ opposite number Peyton Manning has never lost to the Chargers in San Diego as a Broncos player – yet he comes into this match struggling.
Manning has posted stats of 49-for-66 for 639 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception in his last two visits to San Diego and he, in particular, must be wishing for the swift return of Julius Thomas in the red zone to help him out.
The Broncos have other injury concerns surrounding key personnel, aside from the worry over Thomas’ availability. Running-back CJ Anderson dutifully gained 58 yards and scored three touchdowns last Sunday despite constantly limping off the field – his ankle concern may limit him in San Diego. If so, Juwan Thompson can look forward to getting carries in Anderson’s absence.
Demaryius Thomas recorded his worst stats in three years last weekend largely due to an ankle injury that could see him miss the visit to the Chargers. The Broncos wide receiver hurt himself in training on December 3 and while he battled through the pain against Buffalo last week, a mere two catches for 11 yards suggested he might benefit from a rest.
Make sure you don’t miss out – you might not get another chance to see the Chargers in San Diego. Broncos @ Chargers is Sunday at 9pm on Sky Sports 2.
