Philip Rives may face a now or never season in 2019 as the veteran quarterback enters the final year of what could be his last Chargers contract.
Philip Rivers has had some tremendous talent surrounding him through fifteen years, with the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson, Marcus McNeill, and Antonio Gates all operating with him on offense. For his career thus far, Rivers has thrown for 54,656 yards and 374 touchdowns, completing 64.5 percent of his passes in 212 games played.
Last season, Rivers led the Chargers to a 12-4 record, and was frequently mentioned as an early MVP candidate but never gained ground trailing the sensational Patrick Mahomes. Now that Hunter Henry has returned, Rivers may become more efficient as a passer and could complete over 70 percent of his passes with a healthy team around him. If the Chargers’ offensive line improves, and the receivers remain healthy, Rivers could win the MVP this season. He is underrated, underappreciated, and rarely mentioned when talking about elite quarterbacks. The one way to prove his worth: Take the team to a Super Bowl.
Rivers’ numbers throughout the years look good, but the one thing that is missing is a Super Bowl championship. Once No. 17 wins a title, the veteran mainstay could be considered one of the top 10 quarterbacks of all-time. This could be the season for the Chargers to win it all if two things go right for them: The offensive line improves, and they remain healthy. With new and returning pieces talented enough to create an elite defensive unit, the Chargers could give their franchise leader enough support for him to make a postseason run. In the final year of his contract and content with playing out his current deal, Rivers may face a now or never season in 2019.