Is Philip Rivers an elite quarterback? That is the question on the minds of every San Diego Chargers' fan. The quarterback at one time was the thorn in Peyton Manning's side, but lately he has failed to live up to the potential he once showed. With an inflated contract, Rivers must have a year of improvement or it will likely be his last season in California.
Rivers has a contract that will pay him $13.8 million this upcoming season. It is part of a 7-year, $98.25 million deal that he signed back in 2009. Rivers earned that large contract after leading the Chargers to three straight playoff appearances in his first three seasons as a starter. San Diego has not made the playoffs since. San Diego is tight on cap space and if Rivers cannot prove worthy of that large deal, the team will release him, a move that could save them up to $10.8 million in space.
Rivers has not looked elite in years. He has turned the ball over 47 times in 32 games. His quarterback rating has not been above an 88 since 2010. Compared to quarterbacks like Drew Brees or Manning, he does not even compare. Last season he threw for 3,606 yards, one of the lowest years since becoming a starter. He recorded 26 touchdowns and 28 total turnovers. That is not worthy of almost a $100 million contract.
As he reaches the final two years of his deal, the Chargers are putting a large amount of expectations on the quarterback. Head coach Mike McCoy wants Rivers to complete at least 70 percent of his passes. That has only been done five times by four quarterbacks in the NFL. Rivers complete 66 percent of his passes in 2010, the best of his career.
San Diego beefed up their offensive line for the upcoming season. Last year they ranked as the fourth worst in the league in sacks allowed with 49. If Rivers is going to complete that number of passes, he will need the protection around him to make it possible. He will also need receivers to step up. The team ranked 13th in receptions last season, but only 30th in yards per reception.
McCoy's statement shows he does have confidence in Rivers, but that will only take the quarterback so far. His contract makes it so he cannot just get away with completions, he needs to score points. If the Chargers do not come close to making the playoffs in 2013, Rivers will likely have played his last season in San Diego.