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Why Antonio Gates was important to the NFL and to San Diego

There wasn't much for Chargers fans to cheer about in Los Angeles' 2023 game against the Denver Broncos in Week 14.

A season after one of the most embarrassing playoff losses in NFL history, the Chargers came into the campaign motivated to avenge that defeat and reach their potential of contending for a championship. Instead, on this Sunday, they were 5-7, and their playoff chances were just about gone. SoFi Stadium, their home stadium, was covered in Denver orange by Broncos fans.

Then quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending right index finger fracture in the first quarter, and as he exited, so did the Chargers' season.