Philip Rivers reached 61,374 passing yards this week, passing Hall-of-Famer Dan Marino for fifth all-time. Rivers also turned in an impressive performance as the Colts downed the Titans 34-17.
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All-Time Passing Yards List:
1. @DrewBrees: 79,536
2. @TomBrady: 76,969
3. Peyton Manning: 71,940
4. @BrettFavre: 71,838
5. Philip Rivers: 61,374
6. @DanMarino: 61,361 https://t.co/6lOMFY92j2— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2020
The Colts knew what Rivers was capable of, and that’s why this offseason they jumped on the chance to sign him. It looks like the bet has paid off as the Colts are now first in the AFC South.
Also read: “Lamar is making excuses”: Shannon Sharpe Calls out Lamar Jackson For Blaming Ravens Play-calling
Philip Rivers and the Colts’ Success This Season
After, Andrew Luck surprisingly retired, the Colts seemed to roll with Jacoby Brissett as their starter. Brissett was always solid, didn’t turn the ball over much, and could pick up wins.
However, after missing the playoffs last season, the Colts knew they needed someone with more upside. Enter Philip Rivers. Rivers is having a very productive season for the Colts and the results are showing up in the wins column as the Colts sit at 6-3.
As it stands, Rivers is currently 15th in the league with 2,087 passing yards and has also thrown 10 touchdowns for the season. Look at some of the dimes he dropped today.
Birthday boy Nyheim Hines with the TD catch from Philip Rivers! #WPN #HTT pic.twitter.com/SDB46H21th
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) November 13, 2020
Rivers has had his moments when he hasn’t lived up to his name (as highlighted by his seven interceptions), and there have been some embarrassing moments.
Philip Rivers with the worst tackling attempt of all time 😂😂
(🎥: @FTBBurner11) pic.twitter.com/4GltEk6Bi8
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 8, 2020
However, he has provided consistency at the quarterback position and has the Colts in a prime position to make the playoffs once again.
Does Rivers Have a Case For the Hall of Fame?
Although, Rivers has no Super Bowl wins, his career stats make a strong case for his Hall of Fame candidacy. He is only one of six quarterbacks to throw for 400 touchdown passes, and he can pass Dan Marino for fifth on that list as well.
Additionally, his career passer rating is the eighth highest in history, and only six other quarterbacks have averaged more yards per pass attempt over their careers.
However, it is his playoff resume that is the most concerning. In his thirteen seasons as a pro, Rivers has only five playoff wins, and his stats are less than optimal.
14TD-10INT, 59.4 Completion%, 5-6 record. Philip Rivers stats, 84.2 QBR. All of Philip Rivers stats in the playoffs when it matters. He’s not better than Eli and Eli will be in the Hall of Fame before him. Eli gets it done when it matters. Phil looked amazing yesterday too.
— Parlay (@GimmieBecky) October 14, 2019
If Rivers can show up this season and guide the Colts deep into the playoffs, then his case will be solidified. Until then, it remains a toss-up. One thing we can agree on, however, is that Rivers has been very good throughout his career, and has often flown under the radar when considering the best passers in the game.
Also read: “I’ll give Cam an A”: Shannon Sharpe Impressed With Cam Newton MNF Performance
