Basically a week after New York Giant great, Eli Manning, announces his retirement from the game of football, the man he has been tied to his whole career, Philip Rivers, was told “thanks, but no thanks” by the LA Chargers. Rivers has spent his entire 16 year career under center for the Chargers after a draft day trade to make him the franchise quarterback for the Bolts. Today, it was reported by Jay Glazer that the Chargers have decided to part ways with Rivers.
Being an East Coast guy, I see Rivers as that traditional QB that I know is good but I just never saw. The Chargers were rarely the game of the week in the late afternoon slot and with me not having the Sunday ticket or red zone growing up, I was just not exposed as much to him besides the highlights. Unfortunately for the now unemployed Rivers, he posted one of his worst seasons in his career last season.
In 2019, the Chargers finished with a 5-11 record. Rivers threw 23 touchdowns to 20 interceptions. The 20 interceptions was the second worst in his career and the 23 touchdowns is the third lowest season stat in that category in his career. Perhaps more damning is the 88.5 rating he posted, good for the second worst of his career in seasons he started every game. To keep the negativity rolling, he posted a 48.9 QBR, which is also good for the second worst of his career in which he started every game. Much like the guy he is linked to, Rivers has shown to be an iron man. He came into the league in 2004, but did not start until 2006. In the two seasons prior, he played two games each but did not start. From 2006 on, Rivers has NEVER missed a start. Sound familiar?
Despite it appearing that Rivers is declining when you look at the numbers, there is something to be said for him having seen everything a defense could throw at him and the fact that you can count on him being under center every week. It may be a little early to predict where Rivers could wind up, if he doesn’t decide to hang it up. However, I do think if the Bears decide to give up on Trubisky (as they should), I would like to see him there. Although, Chicago’s weather is much different than the Southern California weather he is used to playing in. I think the Dolphins are ready to draft Tua but maybe they bring Rivers in for a year and let Tua learn under him. I don’t think the Colts are happy with the Jacoby Brissett experiment and could be looking for a short term upgrade. The other option I see is dependent on Tom Brady deciding to either retire or go to another team.
Philip Rivers has been a tremendous competitor throughout his career and I hope he gets to choose when his time is done rather than having to be told when it is.
