At 37, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers remains highly thought of in league circles.
In a survey of 55 NFL coaches and executives conducted by The Athletic’s Mike Sando (subscription required), Rivers is one of eight quarterbacks in the "Tier 1" category – the best of the best. He received 33 Tier 1 votes.
Joining Rivers at the top are Aaron Rodgers (GB), Tom Brady (NE), Drew Brees (NO), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Andrew Luck (IND), Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) and Russell Wilson (SEA). Los Angeles will face four of these quarterbacks during the 2019 regular season.
Sando explained that the survey results "are not gospel," but rather "a composite look at what the league thinks of its quarterbacks and why." Here's what one defensive assistant told Sando about Rivers:
"We play him this season, so I've been watching him, and he is just a conductor. If you are a poor poker player and he has any sense of what you are in, he knows what to do, so it is all about disguise. You have to (mess) with him presnap or he will pick you apart."
Rivers has made the Pro Bowl in each of his last three seasons. He will start his 16th NFL season this Thursday when the Chargers open training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Visit chargers.com/camp to reserve your free tickets.
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