It turns out that veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers was close to making retirement plans before Indianapolis Colts came calling. Speaking with reporters over the weekend, Rivers admitted he was ready to call it quits if no offers came his way this offseason.

Rivers spent the first 16 years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, but the two sides agreed to go their separate ways after the 2019 season wrapped up. This cleared the way for Rivers to become a free agent for the first time in his career, but the 39-year-old knew he might not get the opportunity he was looking for.

“I think really where we settled in is I still love to play, certainly not coming off my best year [in 2019], but I know I still can play at a high level,” said Rivers. “It was one of those deals where we said if there’s nothing else out there then that’ll be our answer. I don’t want to just try to hang on to play.”

Rivers didn’t have to wait too much, as Colts came through with a $25 million offer.

“I was still excited about playing and hoping to get another opportunity to continue my career and certainly thankful that it’s going to be with the Colts.” he added.

Philip Rivers had a storied career with the Chargers, despite failing to get a team to a Super Bowl. Besides earning eight Pro Bowl nods, Rivers set a number of franchise records along the way, including those for games played (227), wins (123), and passing touchdowns (397).

The post Colts’ New QB Philip Rivers Considered Retiring if No Offers Came His Way appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Philip Rivers era at Los Angele Chargers if officially over. The team and Rivers released a joint statement on Monday in which they announced that the 38-year-old signal-caller’s time with the organization has come to an end.

Rivers will enter the free agency and will be able to sign with a team of his liking, as his contract with the Chargers expires in March.

“After stepping back a bit from last season, we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out, assess our future goals, evaluate the current state of the roster and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties,” said general manager Tom Telesco. “As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run.”

Talking about the timing of the statement, Telesco said this enables both parties “to put themselves in the best position” ahead of the next season.

Rivers, who was the fourth overall pick in 2004, landed with the Chargers after the trade with New York Giants shortly after the draft. Since then, he led the team to six postseason appearances while making eight Pro Bowl appearances. He passed for 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns over the past 16 years while setting numerous franchise records.

Rivers’ 224 consecutive starts are also second-most by a quarterback in the NFL history.

“I never took for granted the opportunity to lead this team out onto the field for 235 games,” said Rivers. “We had a lot of great moments, beginning in San Diego and then finishing in L.A. I wish my teammates and coaches nothing but the best moving forward. “

Following Philip Rivers’ exit, Chargers will now probably turn to backup Tyrod Taylor unless they can land some of the other big-name free agent QBs like Tom Brady or Teddy Bridgewater. There is also a possibility of them drafting a QB in the upcoming draft.

Rivers, on the other hand, will probably look to land with a franchise that has a talented squad, but struggles with the quarterback position. The teams that come to mind are Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts.

The post Chargers and QB Philip Rivers Agree to Part Ways After 16 Years appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Los Angeles Chargers were considered to be among Super Bowl contenders before the season started thanks to the fact that they have one of the most talented rosters in the league. But 10 weeks later, Chargers sit at 4-6 record needing a clean sweep in the next six games to even get to the postseason.

While most teams would start panicking in this situation, it seems like Chargers are still managing to keep their cool under pressure. The team’s quarterback Philip Rivers recently spoke with reporters ahead of the team’s trip to Mexico City, where they will play Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, and said that the team doesn’t feel desperate despite their bad record.

“I don’t think desperation,” – said Rivers. “I think urgency. Any other word you can think of … I don’t think we feel desperate, although we know how crucial this game is.”

Rivers added that he believes Chargers can turn around their season and that they still have everything in their hands.

“It’s not 100 percent accurate, but to almost be able to say you control your own fate at 4-6 it’s pretty rare,” – he explained. “So the focus is there and the belief is there that we can turn it around.”

It wouldn’t be the first time that Philip Rivers and Chargers got themselves out of a hairy situation down the stretch. In 2005, they were 5-5 before going on a six-game winning streak which got them to the postseason.

While it’s certainly possible that Chargers can pull out something like this again, they have a tough job ahead of them. Winning against the Chiefs on Monday, however, would definitely make it a lot easier.

The post Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers Says They Don’t “Feel Desperate” Despite 4-6 Record appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Expect to see Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers on the NFL field at least for a couple of more years. In a recent chat with NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Rivers admitted that he intends to play next season and maybe beyond that.

Rivers is currently in the final year of his contract, which made his future with the franchise uncertain to some extent. The 37-year-old, however, isn’t worried about this situation and believes he will get an extension sooner than later.

“I really just feel at peace about that. Tom (Chargers general manager Tom Telesco) and I had really good conversations throughout the last couple months. I think it’s sincere, the both of us, really desire I’m still a Charger in 2020,” – Rivers told Rapoport.

The pro Bowl signal-caller has made plans for this season and season after that, but everything else remains blank.

“I’m at the point where I think one year at a time,” – he added. “I’m excited about this season, and I am looking forward to 2020, and then, after that, I don’t know.”

Phillip Rivers had a productive season in 2018, completing 68.3 percent of his passes and throwing for 4,308 yards and 32 touchdowns en route to his eighth Pro Bowl appearance.  He continued in the same manner in 2019, having 333 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 1 win over Indianapolis Colts. 

The post Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers Plans on Playing in 2020 and Maybe Beyond appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite trailing by 14 points in Thursday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, a Philip Rivers inspired Los Angeles Chargers initiated a late comeback to win the game 29-28.

The Chiefs were leading 28-14 with eight minutes left into the game and it looked it was going to be another comfortable win for the division leaders. But in the eight minutes, the Chargers not only erased the 14-point deficit but they stole a win in the last four seconds.

With the win, the Chargers came level with the Chiefs at 11 wins and three losses and also clinched a playoff spot. Quarterback Justin Jackson made a touchdown with two minutes left to give his teams hopes of snatching a win.

After the touchdown, the Chargers didn’t waste any more time. They quickly snatched the ball from Patrick Mahomes and completed another touchdown through Mike Williams to bring the deficit to one at 28-27. Rivers, who had earlier on made a mistake that cost them points, made the last two-point conversion to lead the Chargers to their 11^th win this season.

With equal points this season, the Chargers have a chance to clinch the AFC West Title should the Chiefs mess one more time.

The post Philip Rivers Inspire LA Chargers to a Late Comeback Win over the Chiefs appeared first on SportzBonanza.

It turns out that veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers was close to making retirement plans before Indianapolis Colts came calling. Speaking with reporters over the weekend, Rivers admitted he was ready to call it quits if no offers came his way this offseason.

Rivers spent the first 16 years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, but the two sides agreed to go their separate ways after the 2019 season wrapped up. This cleared the way for Rivers to become a free agent for the first time in his career, but the 39-year-old knew he might not get the opportunity he was looking for.

“I think really where we settled in is I still love to play, certainly not coming off my best year [in 2019], but I know I still can play at a high level,” said Rivers. “It was one of those deals where we said if there’s nothing else out there then that’ll be our answer. I don’t want to just try to hang on to play.”

Rivers didn’t have to wait too much, as Colts came through with a $25 million offer.

“I was still excited about playing and hoping to get another opportunity to continue my career and certainly thankful that it’s going to be with the Colts.” he added.

Philip Rivers had a storied career with the Chargers, despite failing to get a team to a Super Bowl. Besides earning eight Pro Bowl nods, Rivers set a number of franchise records along the way, including those for games played (227), wins (123), and passing touchdowns (397).

The post Colts’ New QB Philip Rivers Considered Retiring if No Offers Came His Way appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Philip Rivers era at Los Angele Chargers if officially over. The team and Rivers released a joint statement on Monday in which they announced that the 38-year-old signal-caller’s time with the organization has come to an end.

Rivers will enter the free agency and will be able to sign with a team of his liking, as his contract with the Chargers expires in March.

“After stepping back a bit from last season, we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out, assess our future goals, evaluate the current state of the roster and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties,” said general manager Tom Telesco. “As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run.”

Talking about the timing of the statement, Telesco said this enables both parties “to put themselves in the best position” ahead of the next season.

Rivers, who was the fourth overall pick in 2004, landed with the Chargers after the trade with New York Giants shortly after the draft. Since then, he led the team to six postseason appearances while making eight Pro Bowl appearances. He passed for 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns over the past 16 years while setting numerous franchise records.

Rivers’ 224 consecutive starts are also second-most by a quarterback in the NFL history.

“I never took for granted the opportunity to lead this team out onto the field for 235 games,” said Rivers. “We had a lot of great moments, beginning in San Diego and then finishing in L.A. I wish my teammates and coaches nothing but the best moving forward. “

Following Philip Rivers’ exit, Chargers will now probably turn to backup Tyrod Taylor unless they can land some of the other big-name free agent QBs like Tom Brady or Teddy Bridgewater. There is also a possibility of them drafting a QB in the upcoming draft.

Rivers, on the other hand, will probably look to land with a franchise that has a talented squad, but struggles with the quarterback position. The teams that come to mind are Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts.

The post Chargers and QB Philip Rivers Agree to Part Ways After 16 Years appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Los Angeles Chargers were considered to be among Super Bowl contenders before the season started thanks to the fact that they have one of the most talented rosters in the league. But 10 weeks later, Chargers sit at 4-6 record needing a clean sweep in the next six games to even get to the postseason.

While most teams would start panicking in this situation, it seems like Chargers are still managing to keep their cool under pressure. The team’s quarterback Philip Rivers recently spoke with reporters ahead of the team’s trip to Mexico City, where they will play Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, and said that the team doesn’t feel desperate despite their bad record.

“I don’t think desperation,” – said Rivers. “I think urgency. Any other word you can think of … I don’t think we feel desperate, although we know how crucial this game is.”

Rivers added that he believes Chargers can turn around their season and that they still have everything in their hands.

“It’s not 100 percent accurate, but to almost be able to say you control your own fate at 4-6 it’s pretty rare,” – he explained. “So the focus is there and the belief is there that we can turn it around.”

It wouldn’t be the first time that Philip Rivers and Chargers got themselves out of a hairy situation down the stretch. In 2005, they were 5-5 before going on a six-game winning streak which got them to the postseason.

While it’s certainly possible that Chargers can pull out something like this again, they have a tough job ahead of them. Winning against the Chiefs on Monday, however, would definitely make it a lot easier.

The post Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers Says They Don’t “Feel Desperate” Despite 4-6 Record appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Expect to see Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers on the NFL field at least for a couple of more years. In a recent chat with NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Rivers admitted that he intends to play next season and maybe beyond that.

Rivers is currently in the final year of his contract, which made his future with the franchise uncertain to some extent. The 37-year-old, however, isn’t worried about this situation and believes he will get an extension sooner than later.

“I really just feel at peace about that. Tom (Chargers general manager Tom Telesco) and I had really good conversations throughout the last couple months. I think it’s sincere, the both of us, really desire I’m still a Charger in 2020,” – Rivers told Rapoport.

The pro Bowl signal-caller has made plans for this season and season after that, but everything else remains blank.

“I’m at the point where I think one year at a time,” – he added. “I’m excited about this season, and I am looking forward to 2020, and then, after that, I don’t know.”

Phillip Rivers had a productive season in 2018, completing 68.3 percent of his passes and throwing for 4,308 yards and 32 touchdowns en route to his eighth Pro Bowl appearance.  He continued in the same manner in 2019, having 333 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 1 win over Indianapolis Colts. 

The post Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers Plans on Playing in 2020 and Maybe Beyond appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite trailing by 14 points in Thursday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, a Philip Rivers inspired Los Angeles Chargers initiated a late comeback to win the game 29-28.

The Chiefs were leading 28-14 with eight minutes left into the game and it looked it was going to be another comfortable win for the division leaders. But in the eight minutes, the Chargers not only erased the 14-point deficit but they stole a win in the last four seconds.

With the win, the Chargers came level with the Chiefs at 11 wins and three losses and also clinched a playoff spot. Quarterback Justin Jackson made a touchdown with two minutes left to give his teams hopes of snatching a win.

After the touchdown, the Chargers didn’t waste any more time. They quickly snatched the ball from Patrick Mahomes and completed another touchdown through Mike Williams to bring the deficit to one at 28-27. Rivers, who had earlier on made a mistake that cost them points, made the last two-point conversion to lead the Chargers to their 11^th win this season.

With equal points this season, the Chargers have a chance to clinch the AFC West Title should the Chiefs mess one more time.

The post Philip Rivers Inspire LA Chargers to a Late Comeback Win over the Chiefs appeared first on SportzBonanza.