The Los Angeles Chargers have long been known for their ability to develop elite tight end talent. From the legendary Kellen Winslow to the prolific Antonio Gates, the Bolts have produced some of the greatest players at the position in NFL history. In this comprehensive ranking, we’ll dive into the top 10 individual seasons by Chargers tight ends, celebrating the exceptional performances that have cemented the franchise’s reputation for offensive excellence.
The tight end position holds immense importance in the Chargers’ offensive scheme, serving as a versatile weapon capable of dominating in the passing game while also providing top-tier blocking. These players have been integral to the team’s success over the decades, and their standout campaigns deserve recognition.
Methodology
In compiling this definitive list, we evaluated a number of key criteria to determine the greatest single-season performances by Chargers tight ends. Factors such as statistical production, impact on team success, longevity, and individual accolades were all taken into consideration. The analysis will primarily focus on the modern era of the NFL, covering approximately the past 30-40 years.
The tight end position has long been a critical part of the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive attack. From the Hall of Fame career of Antonio Gates to the emerging star power of Hunter Henry, Chargers fans have been spoiled with dominant tight end play over the past two decades. But which individual seasons stand out as the best of the best?
In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into the top 10 seasons ever recorded by a Chargers tight end. Using a robust set of statistical criteria – including yards, touchdowns, yards per reception, and advanced metrics like PFF grades and DVOA – we’ll objectively rank the most impactful campaigns by the team’s tight end superstars. Get ready for a journey through Chargers history as we identify the true cream of the crop at this vital position.
The Criteria for Ranking
To determine the definitive top 10 seasons by Chargers tight ends, we considered the following key factors:
Total Yards: This measures the sheer volume of production, accounting for a tight end’s ability to move the chains and make big plays in the passing game.
Touchdowns: Finding the end zone is critical for any offensive weapon, so touchdown totals were weighted heavily.
Yards per Reception: This provides insight into a tight end’s efficiency and ability to maximize each target. Higher YPR indicates a more explosive, dynamic player.
PFF Grade: Pro Football Focus’ comprehensive grading system offers valuable context on a tight end’s overall impact, factoring in both receiving and blocking.
DVOA: Football Outsiders’ Defense-adjusted Value Over Average metric looks at a player’s efficiency compared to the league baseline, accounting for opponent strength.
Using this robust set of statistical and advanced analytics, we’ve meticulously ranked the 10 greatest single-season performances by Chargers tight ends. Let’s dive in!
The Top 10 Seasons
#1 Season: Antonio Gates, 2013
Key Stats: 77 receptions, 872 yards, 4 touchdowns, 11.3 yards per reception, 90.3 PFF grade, 25.2% DVOA
When discussing the best tight end seasons in Chargers history, Antonio Gates’ incredible 2013 campaign has to be at the top of the list. At 33 years old, Gates showed he still had elite-level playmaking ability, hauling in 77 catches for 872 yards and 4 touchdowns. His PFF grade of 90.3 was the second-highest of his illustrious career, and his DVOA of 25.2% ranked 4th among all tight ends that season.
Gates was a dominant force all year, constantly creating mismatches and making clutch plays for the Chargers’ offense. His rapport with Philip Rivers was on full display, as the two veterans consistently connected for big gains. Gates’ steady production and impact as both a receiver and blocker were instrumental in the Chargers’ run to the playoffs that year.
#2 Season: Kellen Winslow, 1980
Key Stats: 89 receptions, 1,290 yards, 9 touchdowns, 14.5 yards per reception, 93.2 PFF grade, 44.2% DVOA
One of the most dominant tight end seasons in NFL history belongs to Kellen Winslow and his incredible 1980 campaign with the Chargers. The Hall of Famer set franchise records with 89 catches for 1,290 yards and 9 touchdowns, showcasing his rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill.
Winslow’s 14.5 yards per reception highlighted his ability to stretch the field vertically, while his elite PFF grade of 93.2 and jaw-dropping DVOA of 44.2% demonstrated his all-around excellence as both a receiver and blocker. He was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and his production was a major factor in the Chargers’ run to the AFC Championship game that season.
#3 Season: Hunter Henry, 2020
Key Stats: 60 receptions, 613 yards, 4 touchdowns, 10.2 yards per reception, 82.3 PFF grade, 15.2% DVOA
While the names Antonio Gates and Kellen Winslow loom large in Chargers history, the emerging star Hunter Henry has been making his own mark in recent years. Henry’s 2020 campaign stands out as one of the best individual seasons by a Chargers tight end in the modern era.
The 25-year-old tight end hauled in 60 receptions for 613 yards and 4 touchdowns, showcasing his well-rounded skill set as both a receiver and blocker. Henry’s PFF grade of 82.3 was the second-highest of his career, and his DVOA of 15.2% ranked 7th among all tight ends. With his combination of size, athleticism, and sure hands, Henry has established himself as one of the league’s premier young tight ends – and his 2020 breakout campaign was a clear sign of his bright future in Los Angeles.
#4 Season: Antonio Gates, 2009
Key Stats: 79 receptions, 1,157 yards, 8 touchdowns, 14.6 yards per reception, 92.4 PFF grade, 29.5% DVOA
As we continue our journey through the Chargers’ tight end history, it’s impossible to ignore the sustained excellence of Antonio Gates. In 2009, the future Hall of Famer put together one of the most dominant seasons of his decorated career.
Gates hauled in 79 passes for 1,157 yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his unparalleled combination of size, athleticism, and sure hands. His yards per reception of 14.6 highlighted his ability to stretch the field vertically, while his PFF grade of 92.4 and DVOA of 29.5% underscored his all-around impact as both a receiver and blocker. Gates was Philip Rivers’ go-to target that season, and his production was instrumental in the Chargers’ run to a division title.
#5 Season: Antonio Gates, 2004
Key Stats: 81 receptions, 964 yards, 13 touchdowns, 11.9 yards per reception, 93.2 PFF grade, 27.0% DVOA
The 2004 season marked a career-best campaign for Antonio Gates, as the Chargers’ star tight end put together one of the most statistically impressive seasons ever by a player at his position. Gates’ 81 receptions, 964 yards, and 13 touchdowns were all single-season franchise records at the time, underscoring his sheer dominance as a receiver.
Gates’ PFF grade of 93.2 that year was the highest of his career, while his DVOA of 27.0% ranked 3rd among all tight ends. He was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, constantly creating separation and making contested catches in the red zone. Gates’ jaw-dropping production and impact were crucial factors in the Chargers’ run to the AFC Divisional round that season.
#6 Season: Kellen Winslow, 1981
Key Stats: 88 receptions, 1,075 yards, 10 touchdowns, 12.2 yards per reception, 91.1 PFF grade, 29.3% DVOA
Fresh off his historic 1980 campaign, Kellen Winslow followed it up with another dominant season in 1981. The Hall of Fame tight end hauled in 88 receptions for 1,075 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his rare combination of size, speed, and skill.
Winslow’s 12.2 yards per reception highlighted his ability to stretch the field vertically, while his PFF grade of 91.1 and DVOA of 29.3% underscored his excellence as both a receiver and blocker. He was the centerpiece of the Chargers’ passing attack, consistently creating mismatches and making clutch plays for the offense. Winslow’s production that season was a major reason why the Chargers reached the AFC Championship game.
#7 Season: Antonio Gates, 2005
Key Stats: 89 receptions, 1,101 yards, 10 touchdowns, 12.4 yards per reception, 92.1 PFF grade, 21.5% DVOA
Antonio Gates’ 2005 campaign was another standout season in his illustrious Chargers career. The perennial Pro Bowler hauled in 89 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill.
Gates’ 12.4 yards per reception that year highlighted his ability to make plays down the field, while his PFF grade of 92.1 and DVOA of 21.5% demonstrated his overall excellence as both a receiver and blocker. He was Philip Rivers’ most trusted target, constantly creating mismatches and making clutch plays for the Chargers’ offense. Gates’ dominant production in 2005 was a key factor in the team’s run to the AFC Divisional round.
#8 Season: Hunter Henry, 2017
Key Stats: 45 receptions, 579 yards, 4 touchdowns, 12.9 yards per reception, 83.7 PFF grade, 12.0% DVOA
While the Chargers have been blessed with several all-time great tight ends, the franchise has also seen its fair share of promising young talents emerge in recent years. One such player is Hunter Henry, who put together a breakout season in 2017 that showcased his immense potential.
As a 23-year-old, Henry caught 45 passes for 579 yards and 4 touchdowns, displaying his ability to stretch the field vertically and make plays in the red zone. His yards per reception of 12.9 and PFF grade of 83.7 highlighted his efficiency and well-rounded skill set, while his DVOA of 12.0% ranked 10th among all tight ends that season. Henry’s 2017 campaign was a clear indication that he was poised to become the next great Chargers tight end.
#9 Season: Antonio Gates, 2006
Key Stats: 71 receptions, 924 yards, 9 touchdowns, 13.0 yards per reception, 91.5 PFF grade, 20.9% DVOA
Antonio Gates’ unparalleled consistency is on full display when looking at his 2006 campaign, which stands out as another exceptional season in his illustrious Chargers career. At 26 years old, Gates caught 71 passes for 924 yards and 9 touchdowns, making him one of the most dominant tight ends in the league.
Gates’ yards per reception of 13.0 that year showcased his ability to stretch the field vertically, while his PFF grade of 91.5 and DVOA of 20.9% underscored his excellence as both a receiver and blocker. He was Philip Rivers’ go-to target, constantly creating mismatches and making clutch plays for the Chargers’ offense. Gates’ production in 2006 was a major reason why the team reached the AFC Championship game.
#10 Season: Antonio Gates, 2002
Key Stats: 83 receptions, 964 yards, 13 touchdowns, 11.6 yards per reception, 90.7 PFF grade, 22.6% DVOA
Rounding out our list of the top 10 Chargers tight end seasons is Antonio Gates’ impressive 2002 campaign. In his second year in the league, the undrafted free agent emerged as a true superstar, catching 83 passes for 964 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Gates’ touchdown total that season set a new franchise record for a tight end, showcasing his dominance in the red zone. His yards per reception of 11.6 and PFF grade of 90.7 highlighted his ability to make plays all over the field, while his DVOA of 22.6% ranked 5th among all tight ends. Gates’ breakout 2002 season was a clear sign that he was destined for greatness, and it laid the foundation for the Hall of Fame career that was to come.
Conclusion
The Chargers’ rich history at the tight end position is truly remarkable, with several all-time greats leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. From the sustained excellence of Antonio Gates to the dominant single-season performances of Kellen Winslow, this list underscores the incredible depth of talent the team has enjoyed at this vital offensive position.
As the modern game continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if any current or future Chargers tight ends can match or even surpass the exploits of the legends who came before them. But for now, these 10 seasons stand out as the cream of the crop – a testament to the enduring importance of the tight end position in San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers football.
What do you think of this ranking? Who would be in your top 10? Let us know your thoughts on social media and join the discussion about the Chargers’ all-time great tight end seasons.
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