I'll be honest, heading into the AFC Championship game, I figured there was no way Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers would be able to play. And if he did, he'd be one strategically aimed sack away from a grueling off-season of rehab. I was also under the impression that not only would running back LaDainian Tomlinson start, he'd be a big part of the offense. Turns out, it was just the opposite.
LdT had just two carries for five yards before finding the bench (for the day, as it turned out ) while Rivers and his monstrous knee brace played through pain for 60 minutes. And he wasn't just some guy with no wheels hobbling around the pocket before aimlessly fluttering a pass downfield.
Rivers was hanging tough amid a stiff pass rush, putting throws on the money, all while taking his licks. And every time he hit the turf, he got right back up. Amazing. So amazing, in fact, that even the Patriots were impressed:
And from Tedy Bruschi, the Patriots' linebacker who knows a thing or two about overcoming health issues, there came this: "He earned my respect tonight. To come back and play the way he did, I think all of those fans of the San Diego Chargers should understand that they have a tough guy at quarterback."Rivers can be annoying because of all the smack-talking, but like him or not, he deserves a lot of credit for Sunday's performance. It wasn't perfect -- or pretty -- but he was effective given the circumstances.
Between Rivers' coming of age and Norvell's, well, coming of age, maybe Chargers general manager A.J. Smith knows what he's doing. Not many people thought that five months ago.
ADVERTISEMENT
_thumbnail.jpg "NASCAR Cowboy Hats")
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Rivers earned my respect, he played a great game with the injury he has. I don't thing any other QB's would have played with that injury. Go Rivers go.
Posted at 11:40AM on Jan 21st 2008 by Fred
2. I've been a fan of the Chargers since they came from LA. Through thick and thin-until the day I die. I'm proud of you. All of you.
I'm also proud of JR.SEAU for doing what he does best. Playing with heart. I wish he was still a Charger, but the Patriots' were smart to add him to their team. Congratulations JR..I just wish the ring you were getting was as a Chargers'!
Next year, CHARGERS! SunshineinSDiego
Posted at 1:23PM on Jan 21st 2008 by fran
3. Philip Rivers will have his day. Anyone who watched him play yesterday should be impressed; no matter which team they were rooting for.
Go Pats!
Posted at 2:58PM on Jan 21st 2008 by Paul
4. River had earned the respect of the whole world, he is a good father too. LaDainian is weak and loser, chicken out at the most important game for the Chargers, shame. ig and ugly mouth talk high, no guts. Great God given talent, no passion and heart at the critical moment. Shame. Learn from you quarterback, and other NFL players. Be a man.
Posted at 3:31PM on Jan 21st 2008 by Mike
5. Phillip Rivers had earned the respects of the whole world, also, he is a good and loving father too. LaDainian is weak guy and a loser, chicken out at the most important game for the his team Chargers, shame. He had a big and ugly mouth always talk high and "classy", but no guts. Great God given talent, no passion and heart at the critical moment. Shame. Learn from your quarterback, and other hard working and playing hurts NFL players. Be a man, have some guts.
Posted at 3:39PM on Jan 21st 2008 by Michael
6. rivers is STILL a punk! let's talk about a QB that everyone was down on. eli beat the bucs, MY cowboys, and now the packers. even for a die-hard dallas fan like me, it's easy to cheer for eli manning. eli is a tough guy, rivers is little punk.
Posted at 4:18PM on Jan 21st 2008 by amart7
7. Rivers is tough. But I wonder how bad his leg really was...
Posted at 4:39PM on Jan 21st 2008 by bet the super bowl
8. I have nothing but respect for Philip Rivers and the whole Charger Team. They gave it their all yesterday and they will be back next season. Go Chargers!!!! As for the Patriots, I think that it really sucks that they were caught cheating in the beginning of the season and instead of having to forfeit the game and be punished, they get all this glory. What is that teaching our kids, that cheating is the way to go. I have always thaught the Patriots and their coach have zero class and I hope their perfect season gets ruined in the Superbowl!
Posted at 6:27PM on Jan 21st 2008 by Linda
9. I watched Philp Rivers play college football at NCSU for 4 years. Other than David Thompson (basketball), Philip is the best athlete to play at our university.
If the Charger fans, Ever , Ever, Ever boo Philip again, he should walk off the field and sign with a team, and community, that appreciates great talent.
Posted at 7:32PM on Jan 21st 2008 by Jeff
10. Rivers is a big mouth jerk. I just read an article about his fight for celbacy among our youth. He claims he even practices celibacy in his marriage. Isn't his wife expecting their 4th child? How the hell is that celibacy? That whole team is full of loud mouth punks. They talk a good game but fail to deliver AGAIN.
Posted at 9:02PM on Jan 21st 2008 by Peg Roach
11. Rivers was hurt and ,reportedly, had arthroscopic surgery on his knee last Monday. IF San Diego had won or even scored a touchdown, I would have been impressed. In hindsight,they should have played the healthly backup QB.
Posted at 7:49AM on Jan 22nd 2008 by Steve
12. @ bet the super bowl, you can tell that his leg was messed up. He hobbled, not ran, away from 300 pound line men trying to take him out of the game.
Posted at 4:06PM on Jan 22nd 2008 by Cliff
13. I haven't been a big football fan for very long, but I have watched many many games this past season. One of the best quarterbacks, in my opinion, is Philip Rivers. He did have a sorta weak start but got better and more accurate as the season progressed. He is a very tough guy to play 60 minutes of a game with a hurting knee like he had. It was bad enough to have surgery on, but he CONTINUED TO PLAY THE ENTIRE GAME against the Patriots! The Chargers could have easily put in Billy Volek, but Rivers stuck it out. You have to give credit to the man! Just watch, the entire Chargers team will be back next season, better than ever. As for Philip Rivers, he may run his mouth but doesn't everyone eventually? He loves what he's doing and he has a wife and four children behind him. If you are a true Chargers fan, you will stand behind him.
Posted at 11:14AM on Jan 24th 2008 by Elizabeth
14. Fran: If you were a real fan, you'd know the SD Chargers were ALWAYS the SD Chargers. Only the Raiders and Rams have played in LA since the Chargers became and organization.
Mike: Shut up, don't be jelous because LT is better than any and all of your teams players in any or all of the postitions. How the hell is he a weak chicken? Are you aware that the TEAM made him sit? That it wasn't his choice?
No, you weren't? Oh....GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR BUTT AND STOP MAKING STUPID COMMMENTS!
Posted at 7:48PM on Jan 24th 2008 by Hails
15. I am not a chargers fan but I think Rivers showed a lot of guts on Sunday. He could have come up limping after some of his hits or interceptions but didn't. As far as calling LT a chicken, I think that is a crock. The coaches pulled him because he did not have enough power to plant and run the way he is known to run. What would it have proved to keep keep him in running 1 or 2 yards a shot? Coaches have to play the players they think give them the best shot at winning, a running back with leg issues probably is not that guy. He is still a great player that had really bad luck.
Posted at 10:16PM on Jan 24th 2008 by Pats Fan
16. fran, before shooting off big mouth engage brain!
1960 the LA Chargers were formed and moved to Diego in 1961.
Posted at 11:56PM on Jan 24th 2008 by PMO PTP
17. Fran is right. Chargers first year was in LA. Sid Gillman was the coach. Following year they moved to San Diego's Balboa Stadium.
One more thing. If anyone questions LT's heart read Jim Trotter's article on SI. It should enlighten the ignorant and the hatefilled. If not. Can't help you.
Posted at 1:43PM on Jan 25th 2008 by pd
18. Uh, Peg Roach....
Look in a dictionary. He spoke of chasity, not celibacy. Chastity prior to marriage=no sex. Chastity within marriage= remaining faithful to your spouse. As for being a loud mouth punk...Rivers talks no less smack than any other qb. Playing with NO ACL in the AFCG just proved he can talk all the smack he wants....
Posted at 2:51PM on Feb 2nd 2008 by michael wingler
19. everyone who has talked about LT's performance should be ashamed how would you know do you play nfl football no, so how can you even begin to talk about him in a negative way if he could have went he would have everyone should no that LT has never missed a game due to injury he didnt want to hurt the team which he would have if he did go inless you play nfl football at the runningback position you cant talk about him in a negative form all of you who do this are spectators you dont know whats really goin on in the game all you see is what's on the t.v. screen or what's in the stands so either put up or shut up and really none of you can put up so you know what to do.LT has always showed great toughness you got to know that something must have been really wrong with him for him not to play. Yes philip rivers showed great toughness in the championship he had a very solid performance he deserves a lot of respect for what he did he showed he can get it done and that he's a great QB now why are there still people talking about him in a bad way, it's the same thing with philip rivers your all spectators on the outside looking in if you wanna talk get in the game and play and have a solid performance then you can talk
Posted at 12:23AM on Feb 26th 2008 by james