San Diego Chargers 2014 Post-Season Awards

Sep 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) makes a one-handed catch for a touchdown past Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) in the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Player of the Year: TE Antonio Gates

This season cemented Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers in the record books as the greatest QB-TE combination to ever grace a National Football League field. As well, 2014 marked one of Antonio Gates’ best seasons ever as he caught 69 passes for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns (the most touchdowns he’s caught since 2004). As the team leader in touchdowns and first down catches, Gates definitely rejuvenated his play in 2014 from 538 yards and 7 touchdowns just two years ago to over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Gates is the most prolific tight end in Chargers history and was a huge piece to the Chargers 2014 puzzle. Gate’s best game in 2014 came in week two against Seattle’s Legion of Boom when Gates went for 96 yards and three touchdowns on seven receptions.

Gates deserves the Offensive Player of the Year award not just for his personal improvement, but also for his production among the Chargers receivers. Malcom Floyd may have caught for more yards than Gates, but Gates still scored more touchdowns and at the end of the day, it’s those six points that really make a difference. A case could be made for Philip Rivers, but nobody comes close to Gates.

Next: Defensive Player of the Year