It has been a season of disappointment for the San Diego Chargers, and regime change is almost certainly on the horizon for general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner.
Antonio Gates ties Chargers’ career touchdown record
In a welcome distraction from the season, Antonio Gates tied a Chargers record.
Jeff Gross
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
However, in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers -- a game San Diego was losing by 30 -- an Antonio Gates touchdown reception was enough to give fans a respite from the 2012 season. Gates now ties Lance Alworth with 81 touchdowns.
Playing from 1962 to 1970, wide receiver Lance Alworth has his jersey adorning Qualcomm Stadium, his No. 19 retired. Finishing his time in San Diego with 9,584 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns -- it would take more than 40 years for his record to be bested.
Antonio Gates needs 1,300 yards to gain more yards than Alworth, but he will be remembered now for tying the touchdown record with one of the best in team history. It’s a welcome distraction in 2012, and fans will wait until Gates’ jersey joins Alworth’s.
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