The 4-7 Chargers likely have to win out in order to have a shot at the playoffs, and for the first time since quarterback Philip Rivers entered the league in 2004, Rivers may not give the Bolts the best chance to win. As such, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com hears that Rivers could be pulled from Sunday’s game against the Broncos if he continues to struggle.
Rapoport says that head coach Anthony Lynn will not have a quick hook, but if Rivers performs as badly on Sunday as he has over the past two weeks — he has thrown a whopping seven interceptions and has fumbled twice during LA’s two-game skid — Lynn could yank Rivers in favor of veteran backup Tyrod Taylor.
It’s a move that Lynn obviously does not want to make, but he may not have a choice. Rivers, who will turn 38 next week, has struggled with interceptions a bit throughout his career, but he is currently not doing enough to offset those turnovers. Rivers and Lynn have spoken several times since the team’s crushing loss to the Chiefs in Week 11, and Rivers knows he must play better.
On the other hand, Lynn does not want the eight-time Pro Bowler looking over his shoulder and playing without the same carefree style that has made him so successful in the past. With respect to pulling Rivers, Lynn said, “I don’t plan on having to make that decision…Most great athletes, they respond well. I believe Philip is going to respond well.”
Taylor, a three-year starter for the Bills from 2015-17, has shown the ability to take care of the football, and he can also make plays with his legs, which Rivers cannot do. Taylor signed a two-year, $11MM pact with the Chargers in March, so if Los Angeles should decide to move on from Rivers this offseason — which is looking increasing likely – Taylor may have a shot to serve as the team’s starter in 2020.
I’ll predict he throws 4 td’s and no interceptions today.
That is how it always seems to work out, doesn’t it?
Tyrod Taylor is NOT better than Rivers. If he’s the starter next season the Chargers deserve to lose. Give me a break!
Didn’t say he was. Said he could have a shot at being the starter next year since the Chargers haven’t shown much interest in re-signing Rivers and Taylor is under contract through 2020. But at this point in their careers, Taylor very well could be the better option.
Some folks are very offended when other people have an opinion.
It’s time for very one to realize that the storied QB class of ‘04’s time has come to an end. Rivers, Eli, Big Ben are all older now and not producing the way they once did. It’s time for the Chargers, Giants, and Steelers to all move on and get with the newer younger generation of QB’s coming into the league.
Father Time catches up with everyone and after 15 years it’s caught up with these 3 QB’s. Thank you guys for your service!
Matt Schaub is still in league also. Same class
I mean Ben got hurt but go off I guess.
Pretty sure the Giants have moved on, Steelers need Big Ben to comeback for a season as they have no young QB for future and no 1st rounder.
Benching Rivers would give Chargers best chance to lose and get one of this years top Draft QBs
Big Ben is clearly declining and everyone but Pittsburgh can see it. They even extended him lol.
In situations such as this you have to put emotions and sentiment aside (even though that can be very hard). If you demand that some players carry the weight but not others, the end result will be a player mutiny. Having said this I believe organizations should end the marriage with their long serving veterans with as much class as possible. They have earned that since they could be representing you in Canton one day.
What no more wounded duck throws? No more mean faces at players after he underthrew them by 5 yards. No more laying in his stomach kicking like a 5 year year old when he throws the ball right into the defenses hands? Wow I am going to miss this.
Unfortunate ending for a future HOF QB.