Heading into the 2014 season, more than a few pundits expected a passing of the torch in sunny San Diego. Veteran tight end Antonio Gates was supposed to ride off into the sunset, while youngster Ladarius Green took his place as the top option at his position for the Chargers.
That didn't happen. Instead, Gates turned in one of the best seasons of 12-year NFL career, reeling in 12 touchdown passes, while Green was once again relegated to afterthought status.
Well, it turns out that those pundits may not have been wrong after all.