SAN DIEGO -- As the backup quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, Kellen Clemens has a front-row seat to the daily work that Philip Rivers puts in and, ultimately, how he performs on game days.
Clemons had heard about how much Rivers watches tape before his arrival in San Diego as a free agent this past offseason. But after five months spent in close quarters with the North Carolina State product, Clemens has a new-found respect for the guy he backs up.
“He’s constantly thinking about it,” Clemens said. “He’s constantly working on it, playing out scenarios -- that’s where he gains such a great edge over these defenses is his ability to prepare.
“He’s obviously accurate on game day. But he knows what’s going to happen before it happens.”
Rivers played as you would expect an elite quarterback to against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. He finished 29-of-39 (74.4 percent) for 377 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday. Rivers was sacked twice, did not throw an interception and posted a 130.0 passer rating.
It’s the second straight week that Rivers posted at least a 130.0 passer rating (131.4 against Buffalo last week). He threw a touchdown pass for a 24th consecutive game, a new franchise record. Rivers' 300-yard performance was the 35th of his career. He completed passes to six different receivers and finished with six passing plays of 20-plus yards.
While not regularly considered a part of the list when naming the top quarterbacks in the NFL -- Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees -- a quarter of the way through the season Rivers deserves inclusion in the MVP conservation.
Just ask his teammate, defensive co-captain Eric Weddle.
“You look what he can do when he’s protected, and it’s no different than the other top quarterbacks in the league,” Weddle said. “Just because they’ve won Super Bowls and he hasn’t, doesn’t mean he’s not at the same stature. Look at what he’s doing.
“I know what he can do. I see him every day in practice, and I play against the top quarterbacks in the league. No disrespect to them, but I think he’s on par with them.”
Through four games, Rivers has completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,155 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. He’s been sacked five times, posting a 114.5 passer rating.
But most important to Rivers, his lights-out play has resulted in a three-game winning streak and a half-game lead over the Denver Broncos in the AFC West.
“I think if you would have told us we were going to be 3-1 after the first quarter, we would have all said we’ll take that deal,” Rivers said. “We let that one get away [at Arizona], but I think it’s made us tough and stronger. Hopefully we can keep it going.”
But back to the MVP race, Clemens believes his teammate deserves a place at the table.
“It’s Week 4. I don’t know what other guys are doing, but he should certainly be in the conversation, for what he’s done,” Clemens said. “You look at the completion percentage, the touchdowns and he’s having a good year. Hopefully he can keep it going.”
Added Weddle: “When he’s playing that way and we can protect them, he can do anything those other guys can do. And if you don’t think that, then people just don’t know football.”
