Philip Rivers Has Short Leash in Possible Last Start for Chargers
By Michael Luciano
Father Time remains undefeated, and he's starting to take his toll on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.
As the Chargers sit at just 4-7 this season with a matchup against a division rival in the Denver Broncos coming down the pike, head coach Anthony Lynn reminded Rivers that no one, including him, is untouchable. If Rivers continues to throw the ball to the other team, the Chargers will be forced to bench him in favor of Tyrod Taylor.
The #Chargers don’t want to do it and hope it doesn’t come to this, but with a repeat performance, they could bench QB Philip Rivers for Tyrod Taylor. My story: https://t.co/chHGz4YX6T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 1, 2019
Taylor had three solid years as the starter in Buffalo, but flamed out in Cleveland as the Baker Mayfield era began.
Rivers has looked every bit of 38 this season, throwing just 15 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. In the last two games, Rivers is barely completing over half of his passes and has thrown seven interceptions. His late-game struggles are perhaps the most glaring.
Rivers is not alone in how he's struggled this year in LA, but his decline has been nothing short of shocking in how steep it is.
#Chargers coach Anthony Lynn says it’s not just QB Philip Rivers fault that the team is 4-7. Lynn said he evaluated everyone during the bye week. Says it’s on everyone.
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) November 27, 2019
Rivers has a healthy shot at Canton and pretty much every passing record in Chargers franchise history to his name, but he's finally starting to show his age, and Lynn might be forced to bench the only quarterback Chargers fans have known for the last 13 years. As Rivers is a free agent this offseason, this could be the end for the long-time Charger.