The GOAT's Goals

On NFL.com, Tyler Horka discussed how Antonio Gates is downplaying his looming touchdown record.

It's no secret that number 85 will reach uncharted waters with his next touchdown catch.  Currently tied with Tony Gonzalez for most in NFL history (111), he's set to hold the record all on his own.

Still, Horka notes it isn't a main focus of the future Hall of Famer.

*"Winning football games has always been Gates' goal. Through his own effort and persistence over the years, another goal has popped up on Gates' radar. His next touchdown breaks the NFL record for all-time scores by a tight end, a record he currently shares with retired Falcons legend Tony Gonzalez. *

* "Obviously when you come into a season, you have your individual goals and you have your team goals," Gates said. "That's obviously one of my individual goals. I'd never let that get in the way of what we want to accomplish collectively. I would love to get it out of the way and move past it and just start focusing on winning a championship." *

* The season is still over a month away, but the 36-year-old isn't as excited as you'd think a player who stands on the edge of history would be. His quarterback and teammate of 14 seasons, Philip Rivers, said Gates' attitude toward the milestone speaks to the sort of character he has. *

"He's a great competitor," Rivers told me after practice Sunday. "He's back playing because he loves to play and he knows we have a chance to win."

More Buzz

Also from NFL.com, Brooke Cersosimo shared a roundup of top quotes from notable NFL luminaries on LaDainian Tomlinson's upcoming enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In his report from Wednesday's practice, the OC Register's Jack Wang highlighted the strong day by cornerback Trovon Reed.

The LA Times' Dan Woike went in depth on rookie Forrest Lamp's ACL injury.

Meanwhile, ESPN's Eric Williams delved into the competition between Dwight Lowery and Tre Boston for the starting safety spot.

Get Social

Top Photos