Wow…This guy (or gal) has got to feel even more stupid today than he did when he wrote the following comments just a day after Philip Rivers threw for almost 300 yards and was 12-for-19 for 196 yards and a touchdown (128.6 rating) in the second half of the Chargers’ playoff win against the Tennessee Titans.
Speaking of San Diego mirages, that brings me to the case of Philip Rivers. In an ESPN.com article this past offseason (also subrscriber only), I called Rivers the most overrated quarterback in football because of his lack of consistency and his inability to keep his poise when facing the blitz. His consistency has not improved, as he posted a quarterback rating of less than 75 in nine games this year. Rivers’ numbers against the blitz are better this season, but he still seems far too jittery when a pass rush starts to collapse the pocket. On a positive note, Rivers has topped the 90 passer rating mark in each of his last four games (including the playoff start). But I would ask the same question about him that I asked for the Chargers D: Is he playing that well or is his opposition really weak? What do your numbers say?
Before the season started we discussed the ‘elevation’ of Philip Rivers in this entry. You need to click on it as it is not often that you get to discuss Meat Loaf in the context of PR#17!
The Chargers’ lack of a top-tier wide receiver and injuries to key offensive linemen impaired Philip’s performance this year. His developing reputation for being a talker didn’t do him many favors, either.
Then again, after a Pro Bowl season last year – being chosen OVER Tom Brady – almost ANY performance this season was probably going to pale in comparison. But Rivers has looked like his old self for most of the last two months and he improved his NFL playoff record to 2-1 today as the Chargers took another step towards this Super Bowl with a huge win in Indianapolis today. From Rotoworld :
Philip Rivers completed 14-of-19 passes for 264 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception before leaving with a knee injury in Sunday’s 28-24 Divisional Round upset of Indianapolis.
A career making performance, as Rivers carried the offense. He made big throws under pressure for a number of difficult third down conversions. Rivers jumped to throw his final TD pass, and landed on his knee awkwardly before leaving for the locker room. He had a brace on his right knee, whereas his left knee has hurt him all season. Billy Volek finished off the win, but we suspect Rivers will be back next week. Jan. 13 – 4:32 pm et
It has been a really bad weekend, so let’s link up the following video for some happiness.
