What It Means:

What rust? In his debut, Gates did what Gates does -- score touchdowns via Philip Rivers. Returning from his four-game suspension, Gates was used in special packages and situations in his season debut. The good news is those packages and situations were conducive to production. Gates got the start and caught Rivers' first two passes before capping off the first offensive possession with a 12-yard touchdown, the 100th of his career. Gates' second score was an 11-yarder in the fourth quarter that gave the Chargers a 17-10 lead. He was wide open in the corner of the end zone on both touchdowns. Gates played mostly on third downs and in the red zone, and Ladarius Green (5 catches, 50 yards) still had a prominent role.

Gates finished the game with 10.13 Reception Net Expected Points (NEP). The Chargers take on the Green Bay Packers next week.