After today’s heartbreaking loss against the Denver Broncos, Phillip Rivers’ and the Los Angeles Chargers’ chances at making the playoffs are over.
The Chargers lost 23-20 in Denver against a rookie quarterback in his first game as a starter.
It’s been evident the wagons have been circling the aging competitive Rivers as he has thrown 8 interceptions in his last 3 games, including today, while he has 14 picks through 12.
He’s in his 17th season and not looking any better as his contract is up in Los Angeles, but will he suffer the same fate, Eli Manning?
It’s difficult to say considering he is the marquee name for that team and it’s in a different market, while they’re already having a hard time selling tickets for the games, he will be a free agent after this year.
Rivers has impressive numbers throughout his career but clutch moments as of late have not worked out for him. These pressure situations where he can’t deliver are staining his career as a passer in this league and as a competitor.
Today was his 62nd loss by 7 or fewer points as a starting quarterback, the most by a starting QB in the Super Bowl era. He just hasn’t been able to close out games. He’s also the only quarterback out of the big three who haven’t won a Superbowl, while Eli Manning and Ben Rothlisberger.
Tyrod Taylor is the backup and will more than likely start next week after today. They’re moving into their new stadium next year so it’s not out of the question they would start from scratch in a new place with a new starting quarterback at the helm.
Prediction
I can’t see Rivers playing for any other team but the Chargers, seeing how most of the teams who were bad have young promising quarterbacks to take them into the future. My guess is he will retire after this year.
He’s been an exciting player and an aggressive one at that and is the only player I’ve ever seen say “fuck you” to the fans, I respect that, he’s a guys guy, and that’s coming from a diehard Chiefs fan who enjoys seeing Rivers get pissed.
His gameplay also puts head coach Anthony Lynn’s employment in jeopardy as well.
