San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates named AFC Player of the Week

This isn't a surprise, but San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his Week 2 performance against the Seattle Seahawks.

In the 30-21 Chargers upset victory, Gates had seven catches for 96 yards and caught all three of the team's touchdowns. His three touchdowns tied his career high, but marked the first time he had done so since 2005.

Gates now has 90 career touchdown receptions, passing Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Reed, and Don Maynard for #11 all-time. He ranks second all-time amongst TEs behind only Tony Gonzalez.

Antonio Gates now has 16 career games with multiple touchdown catches, the most among active players.

It truly was a throwback game for Gates, and is a great sign for his health and effectiveness for the rest of the season. Defenses will see, after watching this game tape, that they can not cover him with a single LB. That should open up more opportunities for Eddie Royal, Ladarius Green, and Philip Rivers.

Congratulations, Antonio. It was a pleasure to watch and a well-deserved award.