2014 Denver Broncos Opponents: Quarterback Rankings
By Nate Winkler
#4. Phillip Rivers
November 18, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers (17) during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
2012 – San Diego Chargers Wins: (7) Passer Rating: 88.6 Y/PA: 6.8
2013 – San Diego Chargers Wins: (9) Passer Rating: 105.5 Y/PA: 8.2
2 Year Average- Wins: (8) Passer Rating: 97.1 Y/PA: 7.5
Week 8: San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos (10/23/14 6:25 pm MDT)
Week 15: Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers (12/14 2:05 pm MST)
Philip Rivers returned to form in 2013 after falling off in 2011 and 2012. He benefited greatly last season from the addition of offensive coordinator Ken Wisenhunt, who has since departed to rejoin the head coaching ranks in Tennessee. San Diego was able to secure the final wild-card spot in the AFC then stunned the Bengals by shutting them down at home in the first round of the playoffs. Rivers’ big game experience was undoubtedly a factor in that game as well as in both games the Chargers played in Denver. The first was a Week 14 victory over the Broncos that propelled the ‘Bolts to the post-season and the second was a tough loss at the hands of Manning & Co. in the divisional round.
Rivers has readily admitted he loves playing against the Broncos and he boasts a 10-7 career record against Denver. The 10 wins are the most among active quarterbacks against the Broncos (Manning himself is 2nd with 6). He has an improved offensive line and a talented group of skill players around him and it is reasonable to believe the Chargers will earn a regular season split with the Broncos again in 2014. Rivers is easily the best quarterback in the AFC West not named Manning.