Fansided

Top 30 duos in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

BALTIMORE - 1960's: (L to R) Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 and wide receiver Raymond Berry #82 of the Baltimore Colts on the sidelines during a game circa 1960's at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE - 1960's: (L to R) Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 and wide receiver Raymond Berry #82 of the Baltimore Colts on the sidelines during a game circa 1960's at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – AUGUST 13: Philip Rivers #17 and Antonio Gates #85 of the Los Angeles Chargers chat on the sideline in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at StubHub Center on August 13, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – AUGUST 13: Philip Rivers #17 and Antonio Gates #85 of the Los Angeles Chargers chat on the sideline in the third quarter of a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at StubHub Center on August 13, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

16. Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates

The 2000s Chargers had an extremely talented offensive corps. With LaDanian Tomlinson breaking records left and right, you’d be excused if you didn’t realize how dynamic of a tandem Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates really were.

It didn’t take long for the quarterback and tight end to develop a chemistry that became lethal for opposing defenses. In Rivers’ first year as a starter in 2006, Gates caught nine touchdowns. Gates was named First-Team All-Pro, and Rivers was selected to his first Pro Bowl. The Chargers went 14-2 that season, and it was the most successful regular season the team has ever had.

The duo’s best year came in 2014. Gates caught 12 touchdown passes from Rivers. The Chargers finished 9-7, though, and missed out on the playoffs.

While Rivers and Gates never took the Chargers to the Super Bowl, they were this generation’s Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow. In his prime, there were few, if any, tight ends better than Antonio Gates. Rivers brought the best out in him, and Gates was Rivers’ go-to target for a decade. They made each other better, and there is a very good chance we see each of them in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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