Mike McCoy might be the best thing that ever happened to San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.
Philip Rivers, Mike McCoy a match made in heaven for San Diego Chargers
Just when you were ready to write off Philip Rivers ...
While many had written off Rivers prior to the 2013 season, the Chargers’ new coach has provided the offense with a bit of a spark, and Rivers is off to his best start in years. On Sunday, Rivers threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Cowboys. It was the second 400-yard game for Rivers this season and the third time in four games that Rivers has thrown for three or more touchdowns.
Before this recent outburst, Rivers hadn’t thrown for 400 yards since Week 5 of the 2010 season. 2010 was also the only season in Rivers’ career in which he threw for 400 yards in a game more than once. He’s already done it twice in 2013.
This isn’t a coincidence. Rivers doesn’t have many more weapons around him in 2013 than he did in 2012. The offensive line play has still just been OK. But Rivers is throwing the ball better than he ever did in 2012. There is more zip on his passes and he’s playing with much more confidence.
It’s tough to ignore McCoy’s presence, though. Last season, it was McCoy’s offense that helped revitalize Peyton Manning’s career. This year, it’s working wonders for Rivers.
McCoy recently said that he views Rivers being San Diego's quarterback long term. The two have been a perfect match early in the 2013 season. Through four games, Rivers has 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. He is completing over 70-percent of his passes and he has nearly 1,200 yards passing. He's also had success against two impressive defenses in the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.
It’s about time to start taking Rivers seriously again. The Chargers may not be the most talented team in the league, but Rivers clearly has San Diego competitive once more. The team is sitting at 2-2. Not a bad start considering the shape the team was in this offseason.
Rivers deserves plenty of credit. But let’s not ignore the man on the sidelines that has turned the Chargers around and given Rivers new life late in his career.
It may be the 10th season of Rivers’ career, but his arm looks like that of a quarterback in his prime. And with the enthusiasm he’s showing on the field, it’s easy to mistake him for a much younger version of himself.
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