Chargers QB Philip Rivers is AFC offensive player of the week
For the second time this year, San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has been named the AFC offensive player of the week. Rivers earned the honor after his very skilful dismantling of the Dallas Cowboy’s “Big D” this last Sunday in a 30-21 win.
Rivers went 35-of-42 for 401 yards and three touchdowns. At one point in the game, Rivers had matched his own record of 13 consecutive completions. His 83.3% completion percentage in this game also an NFL record for a quarterback with 400 yards passing in a game.
Rivers’ first offensive player of the week award came two weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles, where the quarterback went 36-for-47 for 419 yards and threw for three touchdowns.
Rivers is on pace to have an outstanding year. He is currently second in the league in completion percentage (73.9%) and second in touchdowns (11), both just behind Peyton Manning.
During the offseason, there was much speculation that the 31-year-old quarterback was broken, after two sub par years marred with turnovers, and missing the playoffs in three consecutive years under head coach Norv Turner. However, Rivers has largely dispelled this notion with his great play under new head coach Mike McCoy, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and the Charger’s new no-huddle offense.
While Rivers is lighting up the league, the Charger’s 2-2 record and atrocious pass defense may make making the playoffs a difficult road for the QB, especially with the 4-0 starts of both the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.