Top 10 Chargers of 2011: #3 Philip Rivers
By BoogaP
Dec 24, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
The NFL Network is releasing their Top 100 players of 2012 and there just is not enough Chargers action on that list, so the staff at Bolt Beat got together to create a Top 10 Chargers list based off of their performances from last season.
3) Philip Rivers
Now that most of you have read my NFL Top 100, you probably know how I feel about Philip. Heck, we both have the same birthday, December the 8th. Marcus Gilchrist was born on that day as well. Of course, I am older than both Rivers and Gilchrist.
Last year was what Rivers would probably consider a complete disaster. Along with a makeshift line forcing him to try to do it all, the Bolts did not make the playoffs for the second year in a row. We are all aware of his career high 20 interceptions which were, in part, due to running for his life on pass plays more often than not.
With the Bolts practically falling face first in the mud and posting a six game losing streak, the Chargers finished 2011 with a 4-1 record. This was due, in large part, to Rivers throwing for 12 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.
Despite having a tough year interception-wise, Philip still threw for over 4,600 yards and 27 touchdowns. For the majority of the QBs in the league that would be considered a great season.
I have made it clear that I believe that this is the year the Chargers to win it all. I say that truly believing that will be due to an MVP winning season by Philip Rivers. His motivations to succeed, this upcoming year, seem to be darn near endless. I’ll list some here.
Motivations to win it all: Last year’s interception numbers, a two year playoff hiatus, the fact that the Chargers have never won a Superbowl, most opponents and their fans have a teriible opinion of him (I have a feeling it bothers him at least a little. No one likes to be completely misunderstood), the first round QB draft class in which he was selected in 2004 already having rings, he happens to be a coaches son so I’m sure he wants to show his father he can do it, he was ranked #61 in NFL Nutwork’s (Thanks Randy, you’re my boy) Top 100, and oh, by the way, Peyton Manning decided that his easiest way to gain another Superbowl ring was to come to the AFC West and just show up and get it.
Did I leave anything out? Probably. Let me know in the comments section.
Thanks a lot for reading.
Bolt Beat Top 10 of 2011:
10. Takeo Spikes9. Malcom Floyd8. Antwan Barnes7. Jared Gaither6. Mike Tolbert5. Vincent Jackson4. Antonio Gates3. Philip Rivers
2011 Stats:
BOLT BEAT STAFF RANKING
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BoltUp!!!
BoogaP