CHARGE!!!

With his weeks of recovery nearly behind him, Antonio Gates is moments away from rejoining a Chargers team that is uncharacteristically surging early in their 2011 campaign. The all-pro tight end came up gimpy during the second quarter in the Chargers' week two loss in New England after several of his teammates piled onto the back of his left ankle. A The subsequent MRI revealed damage resulting in his exclusion from the next three contests.

Entering week three, the Chargers were 1-1 and without Gates for an undisclosed amount of time. It all must have seemed vividly familiar to fans in San Diego, all the talent in the world and championship expectations being dwindled down to another disastrous start. In fact, since their 3-1 mark at the week five point in 2006, the Chargers have failed to be better than .500 in every season after week five. In three of the last four seasons, San Diego has been 2-3 coming into week six. This year however, might be their time to exorcise those demons and meet their annual hype.

With three consecutive victories under their powder blue belts, San Diego enters a bye week that is extremely well timed! They will undoubtedly emerge with a fresh Gates against the faltering New York Jets on week seven. Assuming the Jets can defeat the lowly Dolphins this Sunday and salvage a 3-3 record, the week seven match-up would still be a must win for the Jets who are quickly falling behind the Patriots and Bills in the AFC East. The Jets will come out swinging but nothing could be more beneficial for the Chargers than a good mid season test against a desperate opponent. If the Chargers can defeat the Jets, they will be 5-1 and soundly in 1st place in the AFC West!

But let's have some perspective, even with a show-stopper like Antonio Gates returning and a 4-1 record, the Chargers will face an uphill battle moving forward. The following points must be considered:

- The Chargers have only won games versus the Vikings (1-4), Chiefs (2-3), Dolphins (0-4), and Broncos (1-4). That's a combined opponent record of 4-15!

- The Bolts' remaining schedule includes the aforementioned desperate and talented Jets, as well as the Packers, Bears, Bills, Ravens, Lions and two bouts with the Raiders!

Earlier this year, Dafoozball covered the Chargers' chances for success this season in a post entitled Premature Immaculation.

We predicted an 8-8 record for the Chargers and a third place finish in their division. Even with all of the early success in San Diego, we stand by that assertion. Incidentally, we stand by our prediction on the 'Niners as well. Only time will tell.