Charger O moving forward (1 Viewer)

[FGITLOTR]

As a Rivers owner, I'm starting to get concerned about the Charger O moving forward. Despite their solid 4-1 record, anyone who has watched the first five weeks knows this team has been quite unimpressive. Yes, I just read that Gates is certain he's coming back after the bye, but I'm not optimistic he will be able to overcome his foot issues. Their offense just isn't the same without him in the lineup and if he's limited or misses extended time moving forward, Rivers is nothing more than a low end #1 QB. He looked fantastic last year while relying on an uninspiring WR core, but it looks as if a healthy Gates is the key to this offense. I know Gates is a hall of fame TE, but I drafted Rivers this year thinking that even if Gates was in and out of the lineup Rivers would still post solid numbers.

Aside from Gates' absence, the offensive line play is also disconcerting. Well, maybe we can say their pass blocking, because the Matthews/Tolbert tandem has put up respectable numbers on the ground. It seems as if Rivers is constantly under duress and often not being afforded the opportunity to throw from a clean pocket.

I know Bloom and others feel as if Rivers is a nice buy low candidate, and they may very well prove to be right, but I just dont share their sentiments. I'm not saying I'm going to bench him or actively trade him, but my eyes are telling me that he's going to be a low end starter moving forward. I still love the guy for many reasons, but feel as if this year will be an anomaly when we look at stats from the the prime of his career.

I would live to hear what other people are thinking at this point. I really hope I'm wrong and he's just suffering from San Diego slow start syndrome, but my gut/observations tell me there is more to the story.

 

[Kree]

They are their own worst enemy. They tend to play up or down to their opponents, and despite the fact that they can play superb football on both sides of the ball, they tend to only pull it out for very short bursts, often when it's not needed or it's too late in the picture.

Disappointed in Rivers so far this year. Was hoping it would be the next step forward for him, but if anything he has gone backwards a bit.

At least Matthews is showing why so many were high on him.

 

[Deamon]

Not sure what to think of this Chargers Offense. Or Defense for that matter. They finally got that hot start but for some reason even at 4-1, I'd feel better about them being their regular 2-3.

Right now they look just 'good enough' to keep getting the job done. Remember, the 4 teams they've beat have a combined record of 4-16 (minny, kc, miami all at home, and a close game at denver). The Pass defenses Rivers has faced have been the 21st, 27th, 22nd, 28th, and 30th in the NFL. Upcoming besides div games are the jets, packers, bears, jags, bills, ravens, and lions. There's a good chance this team goes 9-7.

That being said I guess still ride Rivers as his value is probably not THAT high and I'm sure he'll still put up solid numbers. If you've got a playoff team though, he faces tough pass d's in weeks 15 and 16, so he might not be a bad sell later in the season if you have another viable starter.

 

[FGITLOTR]

I actually think the Chargers playoff schedule in weeks 14-16 is favorable. In week 14 they are home against the Bills and it should be a high scoring affair. In week 15 they are home against the Ravens, a game in which I could see them having to play catch up--the Charger D is not very good and will exposed any time they face decent offense such as the Bills or Ravens. Also, we all know how teams from the east coast usually do when traveling to the west coast. Finally, they face the Lions in Detroit week 16. Assuming both teams need the game, it could be a high scoring affair. I'm not as worried about their playoff schedule as I am making the playoffs, based off of what I have seen thus.

 

[Phantom Knight]

I think Rivers will come around and be strong down the stretch. The Chargers have had a recent history of starting out the season slow and then getting things going. While their record does not show it this year, they seem to be off to the same slow start. I am very hopeful that they will get the passing attack in gear soon enough. Also hopefully there will be someone close enough in their division (Oakland?) to make San Diego need to keep winning until the end. My best guess is that Rivers will be a good qb to own come playoff time.

 

[Hendo]

Rivers may have stagnated some but Mathews looks like a top 5 back this year and beyond. Can't really complain here as the OL does run block decently as well.