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NFL roundup: Rivers sets Chargers all-time passing record

By Brad Weiss

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos did battle on Thursday Night Football, and Philip Rivers broke a record along the way.

Philip Rivers has been a stat compiler since taking over for Drew Brees as the San Diego Chargers quarterback in 2005. Since then, Rivers has been one of the better quarterbacks in the AFC, putting together great seasons along the way. On Thursday, Rivers became the Chargers all-time leading passer, passing Hall of Famer Dan Fouts for first place on the list. The record-setting pass was a 12-yard toss to rookie tight end Hunter Henry.

Good news for the Carolina Panthers, as quarterback Cam Newton practiced fully on Thursday. The 2015 NFL MVP has been in concussion protocol since Week 4, and missed the team’s Monday Night Football loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past week. The Panthers have a huge matchup with divisional foe New Orleans this Sunday, so getting Cam back is going to be huge if they wish to avoid a 1-5 start to the season.

The Cleveland Browns will not have to start another quarterback at the position on Sunday, as Cody Kessler appears to be ready to get back out there. Kessler was injured during the team’s embarrassing loss to the New England Patriots this past week, but practiced fully on Thursday. Had he not been able to go on Sunday, Charlie Whitehurst would have been the fourth starter for the Browns through the first six weeks of the season.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz just gets it. Not only is he having a great rookie season, but he carries himself the way an NFL quarterback should. This past weekend, during the Eagles bye week, Wentz went back to North Dakota to see his alma mater play. He watched the game from a local bar, where he ran up a $1000 dollar bill. His tip: $500. Just a classy guy all around.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best QB of All-Time

The Detroit Lions lost star wide receiver Calvin Johnson to retirement after last season, leaving a huge hole at the position going forward. However, his quarterback does not seem to be bothered by it, as Matthew Stafford is putting up his best numbers of his career. On Thursday, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said he thinks Stafford is actually better now, and the stats do not lie. Through the first five games of the season, Stafford is on pace for his best completion percentage (68.0), passer rating (99.6) and QBR (66.4) of his career.

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