A Rivers runs through it

By Robert Rousseau  |   Tuesday, September 19, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

San Diego Chargers
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We've heard a lot about Philip Rivers, but that's to be expected with a resume like the one he has. After all, this is a man that ended his college career with the second most passing yards in NCAA history. Further, he was named MVP of five different bowl games (including the Senior Bowl). In short, during the four years Rivers started at quarterback for the North Carolina State Wolfpack, he became one of the most accomplished passers in college football history.

The accolades for him didn't end with his college career, either. Since he left N.C. State, Rivers impressed even as he warmed the bench for then starter Drew Brees. Many spoke of his leadership skills. It seemed as if he had the 'It' factor- other players tended to believe in and root for him despite his lack of a professional track record. Not to mention, of course, that many were impressed with the speed of Rivers' release and passing accuracy.

Now, since he began to actually play in the games, Rivers has done everything to reinforce the positive early buzz. He's led the Chargers to dominant early wins against both the Raiders and Titans, looking good in the process. For example, in his most recent contest, a matchup with the Titans, he completed 25-of-35 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown (99.1 passer rating).

With Rivers' resume, one might have actually expected such success, even if it's somewhat unfair to ask true excellence from a first-year starter. But here's what most didn't count on.

The man has looked relatively athletic both in and outside the pocket when he needs to be.

We're certainly not talking Michael Vick here (three rushes for 10 yards doesn't net you that). He's not a running quarterback. However, for a man that often appeared somewhat rigid and stationary while playing in college, Rivers seemed anything but that against the Titans this past Sunday. He was shifty in the backfield, reminiscent of Dan Marino, but with a twist. Not only did Titan defenders have difficulty getting a clear shot at him, but Rivers also consistently proved able to complete passes in traffic and on the run.

In the first half alone, Rivers rolled out and threw the ball multiple times (sometimes by design, sometimes not). And on occasions where he did run, this former NC State star looked pretty athletic. For example:

On a third-and-four play at around 10:14 of the opening quarter, Rivers rolled to his far right and threw the ball completely across his body perfectly to LaDainian Tomlinson for a first down. Even a young Brett Favre couldn't have made a better throw under such circumstances.

At about 2:50 of the second quarter, Rivers tripped over Tomlinson while dropping back. He fell, and then with the football awareness that others always bring into the conversation when speaking of him, Rivers got up and rushed ahead for six yards on the broken play. It was a highlight reel kind of moment.

Rivers is, to use an uncommon phrase, selectively athletic.

We all knew that Philip Rivers could throw from the pocket. However, he's showing a level of pocket awareness, shiftiness and ability to throw on the run that seems better than advertised. The early knock on him - that he couldn't move - seems false. No, Rivers is not Drew Bledsoe, nor Kerry Collins. When in trouble he can do something about it, which should put even more fear into opposing defenses.

So if you're a defensive coordinator game planning for this guy, remember: If a bunch of defenders end up around him, there's a chance that a Rivers can run through it. Perhaps even a good chance.

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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or ...
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