Category:
NFL
,
Philip Rivers
,
San Diego Chargers
I caught a lot of flack for my #5 pick on my Fave Five Players To Watch list. But I think I'm about to turn up the heat a little more for my #4 pick. I catch hell for mentioning his name in a regular football conversation. But I don't care. I like him and he's the kind of player I like to see on the field.
#4 Philip Rivers- QB, San Diego Chargers
I know what a lot of you are thinking. I hear the same things over and over. "He's too cocky" or, "He's an arrogant SOB, I can't stand him". Okay, and?! What does that have to do with playing football?? I actually have grown to love his cocky persona. I don't label Rivers as cocky. Philip Rivers has swag.
So what makes me think Rivers is so great to watch?? Nothing much, except leading the league in QB rating (105.5) while tying with former Chargers QB Drew Brees for most TD passes in 2008 (34). His overall passing yards was ranked in the Top 5. And while his team was a dismal 8-8 last season (mainly because of problems in the defense), the Chargers managed to sneak into the playoffs and knock off the Colts in the Wild Card round, before losing to the Steelers the following week.
But the best part I love about Rivers is his mouth. The dude doesn't know when to shut up... and I love it. People hate on him because he runs his mouth. But so did Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan. Who can forget the Sunday Night game on ESPN, with Rivers arguing across the field at Jay Cutler, telling him, "The bar is over THERE!!". LOL! Or the time during the 2007 AFC Divisional game when he kept taunting the Colts fans, telling them, "I'll be back... I'll be back" and waving at them as he went to the locker room to get his knee looked at.
What an unclassy move, but I can be extremely petty at times and tend to love moments like that for my own enjoyment.
Whether you like him or not, you can't deny his toughness (he played the 2007 AFC Championship with a torn knee ligament) or his ability to make plays. He's a good QB who knows he's good and is passionate about the game. When the Chargers were behind the Broncos by 3 games last season, and everyone though they were done, they overcame their lackluster defense and an ailing LT to win the AFC West title and make it to Round 2 of the NFL playoffs.
I don't care what they say about Philip Rivers... Hell, he probably doesn't either. He's the anti-Manning of the NFL, and I like it. He's one of my favorite players to watch
I never expected Phillip Rivers on this list, Interesting!!!
I didn't think he'd make the list, but after last season my respect for Rivers grew tremendously, so I understand it. They were down and out and he played every game with the passion I expect from every ball player.
Interesting choice! I can understand why, though. He like to woof, just a bit. No wonder he went to NC State!
Man, I love Rivers guys. Most folks don't talk about what he does on the field, but he's a great athlete. I gain respect for him in the AFC Championship game
i like rivers also but he gotta win something soon....
I love Philip Rivers!