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The defense tells us which pass-catchers are dangerous, and both the Broncos and Ravens gave more extra attention to Gates than they did any other Chargers pass-catcher.
The Ravens were clever about it, using safeties, linebackers and cornerback Corey Graham to create a mixture of double coverages or implied double coverages.
As a decoy, Gates succeeded. Take the 21-yard scoring pass to Malcom Floyd for the Chargers' only touchdown. Gates broadened the throwing lane for Rivers by attracting both Ravens safeties, Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard.
Gates also drew two Ravens on Danario Alexander’s 26-yard reception and was on the opposite flank on the wideout’s 19-yard screen play.