Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is not having the season he was anticipating in the final year of his contract.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles could make a switch at the position if his struggles continue against the Denver Broncos by putting in QB Tyrod Taylor.
Rivers has talked with coach Anthony Lynn several times since their last game, and he knows his production has to be better. Lynn and the coaches evaluated everyone during the bye week and came out thinking “it’s not just one guy why we’re 4-7.” He said Rivers knows he can’t keep turning the ball over, but everyone is going to be evaluated.
That said, while Rivers has been interception-prone recently, Lynn does not want him looking over his shoulder as if he’ll come out with one pick. He doesn’t want him playing not to lose. He wants the same carefree Rivers who has thrived so often.
Through 11 games of the 2019 season, the former North Carolina State product has thrown for 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, including seven interceptions over the past two games.
Every game in which he has thrown an interception has been decided by a touchdown or less this season.
Rivers’ woes have been a result of struggling under pressure due to distrust in the offensive line. But even with clean pockets, his decision-making his been poor and he is playing reckless.
Following the bye, coach Anthony Lynn acknowledged the fact that the team isn’t in the position that they would like to be and a lot of that falls on the turnovers the past few weeks.
“Guys know what we have to do. We’ve been turning the ball over and not taking it away enough. But they know I’m not going to keep talking about it, too. We’re going to take care of the football, or else.”
Benching Rivers would be a hard pill to swallow considering he’s been the starter for the past 14 years. But Lynn wants to put his team in the best position to win and if the veteran quarterback can’t get it done, he has to look to the other options on the roster.
Taylor played under Lynn for three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, so the familiarity is there. The 30-year old has starting experience with the Bills and the Cleveland Browns.
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