December 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during warmups prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

This won’t rub a lot of San Diego Chargers fans the right way. Some people will even look at it as a lost season, but…

THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS SHOULD TRADE ANTONIO GATES!

Some fans would rather have the greats ride off in the sunset just wearing one jersey. That’s awesome and all but when players start to show their age and slow down, then it is better to get rid of them a little too early rather than too late. The time to trade Antonio Gates is now.

We all get pissed off at players when they bolt out of town for a ton of dough and they show no loyalty. It is not about loyalty, it is about business. This game is a business. It is good business practice to get some value out of Antonio Gates now, rather than watch him deteriorate on the field. It doesn’t seem like he has much left in the tank, but there sure would be teams that would have interest.

Where do we trade him? The Cleveland Browns!

Antonio Gates went to college out in Ohio and there are a few coaches out that way that know a little about our boy Antonio. Head Coach Rob Chudzinski was the tight ends coach in San Diego when Gates was ripping the league to shreds. We all know about the Norvous one in Cleveland as well. Cleveland has room under the cap and a young quarterback would love to have an outlet like Gates over the middle of the field.

Trading Gates would probably create another hole on the roster, but that could be patched up with a little Randy McMichael and a lot more Ladarius Green. I am sure Philip Rivers wouldn’t be thrilled about the idea, but when we use that extra draft pick and extra cap space to keep him standing straight, then he can’t complain.

Trade Antonio Gates.

UPDATE: Check out @Bolts88 comments who showed me that trading Gates now saves NOTHING in salary cap and would be straight ridiculous to get rid of him now. Continue with the crapping on me, I know most of you still love me.

Nov 1, 2012; San Diego CA, USA; San Diego Chargers Norv Turner reacts during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Chiefs 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The writing is on the wall.  In fact, the writing is everywhere.  It reminds me of that moment that we’ve all had, at some point in our lives, when we appreciate the wait at the DMV. 

The moment I’m speaking of is that one when you are stuck at the tracks while the longest train in the history of trains continues to delay your advance to your final destination.  It is, of course, covered in graffiti.  This train is decorated in “Norv and A.J. are done in San Diego” spray paint. 

It sounds as though Norv’s final destination, as far as being a head coach in the NFL, will certainly be on the eternal unemployment line. 

Although there is a zero percent chance that he will ever be a head coach in the NFL again, it has been reported that he would be interested in taking on the offensive coordinator duties for a team that is close to advancing to the NFL’s final destination.

Norv has expressed interest in latching onto a contending team that truly has a chance at winning the Superbowl? 

Sounds familiar, to Charger fans, with the exception of a different role on said team.

When Norval came to San Diego, the Chargers had just been ousted from the playoffs after a 14-2 regular season record.  The roster that he inherited was one that any incumbent head coach would absolutely salivate over the chance to become it’s leader. 

There is no need for me to regurgitate all that has transpired over the Norv Turner regime.

Despite some promising rosters and seasons, it has now become apparent that, coupled with the performance of A.J. Smith as general manager, the prime years of some of our players have been completely wasted. 

Philip Rivers is now 31 years old.  Although he has 4-5 quality years, at least, left in him, where does that leave guys like Gates and Hardwick?

Gates has shown, despite being as healthy as ever, that he has lost a step.  Hardwick, during the offseason, made it clear that he might retire before playing in 2012.

In short, thanks for everything Norv.  Despite doing my best to defend you through the years, you have coached this team into the ground. 

But wait.  You’ve done so while under the ironfist of A.J. Smith.  I don’t have a lot to say about A.J.’s tenure as our general manager.  Well, I do, but it is summed up while making a few statements. 

You let your ego get in the way of building a successful team.  And that includes the players and the coaching staff.

You wanted a “yes man” as head coach.  In that, you succeeded.  You wanted to prove that every Charger was a Charger one year at a time.  I don’t need to go through the players that left this organization due to the egomania of Smith.

You all know the names that have gone on and proven that they are superstars in this league. 

Note: My complaints do not include the handling of Drew Brees.  Everyone, including the Chargers, had a shot to sign Brees.  Miami and New Orleans were the only ones that were considering it.

In conclusion, my thanks to you as well, A.J. Smith.  The train has now been derailed and is still covered in the names of both you and Turner.  It will remain as a reminder that the window for a franchise is short and can be destroyed in a small frame of time. 

Oh, what am I thanking them for? NOTHING!

Now as far as you all are concerned as a fan and supporter of BoltBeat?  Thanks a lot for reading!

The time has come for change, my friends.  And that time is now.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

P.S.  Go ahead and tell me all the reasons that you have believed in them both.  I did too.  I, most likely, share the same exact thoughts and beliefs.  Hindsight is 20/20.  I stood in “front of the train” for years.”  Now I’ll watch it leave the station rejoicing that it will never return again.

December 18, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs for a first down during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 34-14 Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

The Chargers have 3 Top 20 ranked fantasy options this week against the Baltimore Ravens.

We are going to compare the weekly fantasy rankings of the experts like: Matthew Berry, Eric Karabell, Tristan Cockcroft and Christopher Harris. Their rankings can be found here.

So which is right, the Fantasy or the Reality? Let’s find out!

Danario Alexander – Breaks into the Top-20 this week as the No. 20 WR

Fantasy

• The Ravens struggle against the deep ball and Alexander has proven he can go up and get the ball downfield
• Has emerged as Rivers favorite target over last couple games
• His 19.4ypc would rank 4th in NFL if eligible

Reality

• Has caught 15 of 22 targets for a 68% catch rate, highest on the team
• Redzone targets have not been there, as he’s only had 1 reception in the redzone (for a TD)
• Ravens have tall CBs (3 over 6ft) who can battle for jump balls

Verdict – Reality. While Alexander has clearly become a favorte target of Rivers, a depleted OL means there will be a lot of quick, short routes and check downs.  The overturned suspension of Ed Reed also plays a factor. Alexander will be a low-end No.2 WR or Flex play.

Antonio Gates – The 5th ranked TE this week.

Fantasy

• The season has been a disappointment for the long time fantasy legend, only averaging 5.5ppg in standard scoring leagues
• While the receptions and yards are no longer there, Gates has scored 4 TDs in the last 6 games.
• Should see his receptions go up this game as a weak OL will force Rivers to look to his longtime TE

Reality

• 8 of 9 games this year Gates has had less than 5 receptions
• Still one of the best in the game in the Redzone, as all 4 of his TDs have come there
• An old and injury-riddled Ravens secondary could mean big game for no.85

Winner- Fantasy. It has been an up and down season for Gates. However, if the Chagers run game gets going it could set up soe nice play-action down the seam for the elder statesman.  The weak OL should mean more targets for Gates as Rivers will look to get the ball out quickly. He is especially valubale in ppr leagues this week.

Ryan Mathews - Ranked 14th this week

Fantasy

• Chargers have fell behind in games and abandoned the run as he’s only had more than 20 carries twice this seaon
• Inconsistent play-calling and a poor OL have meant few holes for Mathews to run through
• Is averaging 4 receptions per game and will most likely see more check downs this game

Reality

• Balitmore has awful rush defense ranking 27th in NFL giving up 132.2ypg and has allowed 10 rushing TDs
• Chargers will have to rely on the rush to contain Ravens pass rush and take some pressure off of Rivers
• Had 2 rushing TD’s against much better Baltimore defense in meeting last year

Winner- Reality. The Chargers have to find a way to get the ball in Mathews’ hands.  He is their most explosive playmaker and has the speed to break a long one anytime.  The Ravens have allowed double digit fantasy points to opposing RBs in every game this season.

Predictions (fantasy points calculated in standard scoring)

Danario Alexander – 5rec, 84yds, 0 TDs (8 pts)

Antonio Gates – 6rec, 68yds, 1 TD (12 pts)

Ryan Mathews – 18att, 81yds, 1TD & 4rec for 24yds (16 pts)

#Free24

Dan Locke