A sprinkler in San Diego

By Robert Rousseau  |   Monday, October 16, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

San Diego Chargers
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On Sunday, the San Diego Chargers' defense wasn't up to its usual tricks. It certainly wasn't bad by any account. However, the 19 points given up to the 49ers were the most San Diego has allowed in a game thus far this season.

So, the offense had to step it up a notch. Did it ever.

Philip Rivers' performance in the Chargers' 48-19 victory over the 49ers helped to reinforce what the rest of the NFL probably knows already.

This guy isn't just a game manager.

Certainly the fact that he completed 29-of-39 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns (no picks) says something by itself. But it wasn't just about the individual statistics. Rather, more was said by the way that offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, head coach Marty Schottenheimer and Rivers implemented their passing attack than anything the individual stats could provide.

Like a sprinkler.

During San Diego's first offensive drive, Philip Rivers threw the ball to Keenan McCardell and Antonio Gates two times each. The final result was a 57-yard touchdown for Gates.

On the next series, rather than go back to Gates, Rivers connected with Eric Parker three times and McCardell once.

Then when the 49ers were truly confused about where the ball was going, Rivers started throwing to LaDainian Tomlinson (this was by their fourth offensive series).

In the end, Rivers had connected with Parker seven times (88 yards), Gates five times (78 yards), McCardell six times (65 yards) and Tomlinson seven times (64 yards). He had also completed passes to three other receivers, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson.

Talk about spreading the wealth.

Ironic that this happened on a day when the Chargers played the 49ers, a team that used to spread the catches around as well as anyone with Bill Walsh, Joe Montana and Steve Young leading the way. Kind of makes you think that Philip Rivers' name is misleading, doesn't it?

After all, a river(s) only flows in one direction. He's more like a sprinkler, hitting every direction equally.

Get more coverage of the San Diego Chargers at RealFootball365.com
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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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