The decline of quarterback Philip Rivers has been evident this season. But the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs on Monday night made it clear that it’s time to start thinking about the future of Los Angeles.
In need of a win to stay in playoff contention, Rivers held his team back.
With less than two minutes to drive down the field and tie the game up, Rivers converted a fourth-and-4 and a third-and-15 to lead the Chargers to the Chiefs’ 14-yard line.
On second-and-10, Rivers was looking to go to running back Austin Ekeler in the end zone, but safety Daniel Sorensen was right there. His interception of the underthrown ball sealed the Chargers’ seventh loss by seven points or fewer this season.
Rivers tossed four interceptions, while his defense held the league’s most explosive offense in check the majority of the night. He has thrown 14 interceptions, which is the second-most in the league.
Los Angeles sits at 4-7 heading into the bye, their playoff hopes nearly extinguished. With the postseason fading, fans are left wondering what the future holds for Rivers after this season.
It’s a hard pill to swallow for most fans because they have seen Rivers starting under center since 2006, and while he may have not guided the Bolts to a Super Bowl, he is one of the greatest quarterbacks over the past decade.
Rivers has faced challenges along the way, including below-average offensive line play, and while he has overcome them throughout his career, there’s no overcoming the poor decision-making and the deteriorating arm that we’ve seen.
Rives, who will be 38 in December, is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Even though he has said that he wants to play with the Chargers when they move into their new stadium with the Rams in 2020, it doesn’t mean the team feels the same way — especially after what he’s done this season.
Signing Rivers would be short-term, but at a hefty price. That’s not all that ideal when they have other key players that they will have to use that money on.
Rivers said that he’s going to use this offseason to weigh his options. Whether that is retiring or pursuing an opportunity with a team that’s close to a Super Bowl, he will hold a special place in Chargers fans’ hearts.
So what should Los Angeles do to fill the void?
They need to find a quarterback early on in the 2020 NFL draft, such as Oregon’s Justin Herbert, Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts or Utah State’s Jordan Love, and start Tyrod Taylor, who is under contract for one more season, as a bridge to let the rookie get adapted to the NFL.
It wouldn’t be easy to move on from the heart and soul of the Chargers for the past decade and a half, but all good things must come to an end.
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