Philip Rivers

Jay was on his game and clearly one-upped Philip Rivers, who looked downright awful. We should all write Philip a thank you letter, by the way. He gift-wrapped this one.

Cutler got plenty of help from his receivers today, with Knox, Williams (I know) and Earl Bennett all coming up with huge grabs at key moments. After a maddening drop in the first quarter, Williams came back to have his best game as a Bear against shoddy Charger coverage. Bennett was targeted nine times but only came up with three grabs. A possible touchdown catch in the second was reversed when it was revealed that Bennett didn’t complete the catch, but an illegal hands penalty kept the drive going, allowing Cutler to hit Kellen Davis.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 31, Chargers 20"

Can the Bears force more Philip Rivers turnovers in front of their home crowd today? Or will the Chargers begin their annual late-season winning streak? It’s time for another Gameday Preview!

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Chargers at Bears"

and Raiders at
(4-4) San Diego Chargers

So I say this game could be sloppy for two reasons: Philip Rivers and Carson Palmer. Rivers leads the league with 14 interceptions on the year, single-handedly bringing the Chargers down from a division-leading 4-1 to a middle of the pack 4-4. While San Diego’s defense is still playing at a relatively high level, they can’t defend against pick-sixes. Without Malcom Floyd, the Chargers will rely heavily on Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates to stretch the field. (Duh.)

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Thursday Night Preview: ..."

They have gobs of talent spewing out of every orifice. Philip Rivers is fiery and masterful. If they can stay healthy they’ll contend for a Super Bowl. Norv Turner isn’t a bad coach blah blah blah. Look, they’re clearly the best team in this division, but that was the case last year too and they managed to screw that up with the worst season of special teams in the history of the NFL. I love Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, their top two receivers, but Rivers has never had an issue airing it out whenever necessary. On paper, their defense should be electric, with Antonio Garay, Luis Castillo and rookie Corey Liuget on the line. Takeo Spikes is still an explosive linebacker, backed up by Eric Weddle and a punishing Bob Sanders (if he stays remotely healthy) at the safety slots. Just don’t expect anything special once the regular season ends. Except for an early playoff exit and a head-scratching Norv Tuner extension?

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The AFC West"

Can we call them the "Mile-High Girls?" No? Crap. 

San Diego Chargers

Philip Rivers had one of the best regular season performances last year, but he was overshadowed by Peyton Manning along with everyone else. Rivers has established himself in the top tier of NFL signal-callers, but he has yet to make the ascension to dominance. This year may prove difficult to take that step, as deep threat Vincent Jackson is holding out and trying to work out a trade someplace else. If he's not on the team, expect that 5th ranked pass offense to lag slightly. Legedu Naanee and Malcolm Floyd are dependable receivers, but they can't make the same plays Jackson has. Running back Ryan Matthews seems prepared to make an immediate impact, partnered with Darren Sproles. Experimenting with Sproles as a featured back was a bad idea, one that Matthews' presence will correct. Antonio Gates is still the most explosive tight end in the league and will put up another monster season. If left tackle Marcus McNeill continues his holdout, the offensive line will have a hard time protecting Rivers long enough to throw a deep ball.

Continue reading "Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: AFC West"

4 victory.

 

Following a scoreless first quarter, the Chargers jumped out to a 7-0 lead as Philip Rivers found rarely-used tight end Kris Wilson in the endzone. That was the lead taken into halftime, thanks to a stingy Jet defense and a lackluster but safe Jet offense. New York added a field goal in the third to close the gap, but you never felt like the Chargers offense could be stifled for four quarters. Seems like the Jets offense didn’t get the memo, as they were the ones who refused to be held down.

Continue reading "Jets stun Chargers 17-14 in San Diego"

Norv Turner is an underrated coach with an underrated quarterback in Philip Rivers. Their explosiveness on offense makes up for their better-than-average defense. 

Analysis: Circumstances were set up perfectly for the Jets to topple the Bengals last week, but the Chargers are a different animal altogether, (In fact, they're not an animal at all... they're lightning.) Unless the Jets have cloned Darelle Revis, they won't be able to contain the Charger wide receivers. San Diego has scored 20 points in every game this season, so there's no reason to doubt them now. Mark Sanchez won't be able to complete 12 of 15 throws today if he wants to keep up. New York will be able to run the ball fairly effectively, but they will need touchdowns, not field goals. I don't have much faith in the offense to put up more than 17.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Sunday"

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is once again putting on an MVP-type performance that no one will notice. 

(9-4) Philadelphia Eagles 45
(7-6) New York Giants 38 

Apparently defense was optional on Sunday night. I didn't get that memo from the league. Maybe it went into my spam folder. The Eagles made big play after big play, thanks to an electric DeSean Jackson. New York racked up over 500 yards of offense and still lost! What up with that G-Men? Tom Coughlin's face is still red. Though even he'd admit that Andy Reid / Jackson jump-bump was pretty cool though.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

Instead of going for the win, Coughlin settled for three points. He then watched Philip Rivers march his squad down the field with ease with no timeouts or opposition. That’s how you run a 2-minute offense.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

Instead of going for the win, Coughlin settled for three points. He then watched Philip Rivers march his squad down the field with ease with no timeouts or opposition. That’s how you run a 2-minute offense.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

Unfortunately for Norv Turner’s boys, this isn’t last year’s Broncos. Philip Rivers faces off against the man who forced his way out of San Diego on draft day in a trade. Eli Manning’s Giants are stumbling but have the bonus of a bye next week. Tom Coughlin will have his team ready to play in front of their home crowd.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

roncos are pulling away in the division, but the Chargers have a chance to bring them back a notch. Philip Rivers must push this offense and be aggressive against Denver’s surprising defense. Kyle Orton just needs to find his playmakers in space and protect the ball like he has through five games already. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 6"

They definitely struggled for most of the game, but they ignited under Philip Rivers. Big Ben and the Steelers needed to avoid a 1-3 start to keep the AFC North race close. Maybe Rashard Mendenhall earned a few more carries for himself? 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

are equipped to take advantage of Troy Polamalu’s continued absence in the Steeler secondary. Philip Rivers excels in throwing the deep ball, which is where a safety’s coverage skills are tested. While San Diego’s defense isn’t at full speed, Pittsburgh’s running game will struggle for another week. Mike Tomlin will have to rely on Big Ben’s arm to get a second victory. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

The Chargers have been playing well lately but Philip Rivers is about due for one his 78 passing yard, 4 interception games. He’ll be frustrated and Indy will roll.

Ravens over Dolphin

Continue reading "Thin-slicing Week 1 of the NFL Playoffs"

In case you haven’t noticed, QBs often play when hurt – case in point Philip Rivers. Don’t forget that the offensive line gives Brady all day to throw the ball, so even if his leg hurts a bit he’ll likely play up to par.

Continue reading "Hardy Har Har – How to Laugh at the Super Bowl"

I was truly worried when LaDainian Tomlinson went out of the game and even more pessimistic when Philip Rivers had to be sidelined – but the rest of the team made me a believer! I take back every less than flattering statement I have ever uttered about Norv Turner!  He really is an NFL coach that deserves respect.  

Continue reading "Go Bolts!"