Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has made headlines with his poor play this season. After performing at an MVP level in 2017 and 2018, he hasn’t been at the same tier. What’s going on?
You can make a list of reasons why Rivers has thrown the second-most interceptions (14) this season, but the one that will almost always be brought up is the guys blocking for him.
Like many, an NFL executive believes it’s the offensive line that’s causing him to perform like this.
“Rivers struggles when he doesn’t trust his offensive line. It’s pretty clear he hasn’t trusted his line lately,” the league executive told The Athletic’s Mike Sando.
The past two games, Rivers has been tasked with playing with two backup tackles — Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott, along with second-year center Scott Quessenberry due to injuries to the team’s starters.
In the Week 10 matchup against the Raiders, Rivers was sacked 5 times and was hit a total of 10 times. In that game, the veteran quarterback looked uncomfortable in the pocket.
A week later, Rivers was only sacked twice in what was a solid performance by the offensive line. But he was playing like he had a swarm of defenders trying to get after him, rushing his throws and resorting to the first receiver he saw.
Rivers has always played behind an average offensive line throughout his career. But when it has been decimated in a single season due to injuries, it has seemed to affect his play. The league executive compared this season to 2016 when Rivers tossed 10 touchdown passes with nine interceptions during the five-game losing streak to end the season.
As we know it, Rivers is not a mobile quarterback. He is a pocket passer who thrives under pressure by using his unorthodox arm motion, yet quick release to hook up with his pass-catchers. But that hasn’t been the case this season, and he’s throwing the ball like he’s seeing ghosts, appearing to be reckless and rushed.
Rivers could have his safety blankets back in starting tackles Russell Okung and Sam Tevi back in the starting lineup this weekend. With them back, seeing if the veteran quarterback flourishes or folds will be one of the biggest headlines in what could possibly be the last five games of Rivers in the blue and gold as he’s set to become a free agent after the season.
“That one will be interesting. I don’t know how excited Rivers would be to stay for less money, if that is what it comes to. Would he play elsewhere and move his family,” an executive said.
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