Despite Rivers’ uncertain future in L.A, Chiefs remain wary of veteran quarterback
The Kansas City Chiefs close out the regular season Sunday against a familiar team and individual foe.
Week 17 marks the 15th time in Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers’ career he’ll square off against the Chiefs. And this meeting carries an interesting storyline.
Rivers is 14-14 against the Chiefs, having amassed 7,223 yards passing and 39 touchdowns with 37 interceptions. Thirteen of those wins came before the Chiefs won 10 of their 11 past meetings against the Chargers since 2015, and his yardage through the air represents the most against any Chiefs AFC West opponent.
But change could be looming this offseason. The 38-year-old Rivers is in the final year of his contract, which pays a base salary of $11 million.
Even Rivers himself has recently acknowledged some “uncertainty” beyond the 2019 season, signaling Sunday could potentially be the last the time the Chiefs see him in a Chargers uniform.
Whatever comes next, the Chiefs have much respect for the long-time Chargers quarterback.
“When you think of the Chargers, whether San Diego or L.A., obviously, you think of him,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He is a great player.”
Reid complimented Rivers’ passion for the game and how the quarterback has maintained that zest throughout his decorated NFL career.
“There is a certain love that he has for it,” Reid said. “He is a coach’s kid, so he kind of knows what button to push and all of that.
“I appreciate that. I think he is good for the game. Good person. Good family guy. Works hard. All of those things. He has had a Hall of Fame career. There’s not too much more you can say than that.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes agreed.
“He’s a great competitor and someone who loves the game of football,” Mahomes said of Rivers. “He’s going to compete until the very end. He’s had a lot of success doing it. He’s a great, great person from all of our interactions, but he’s a fiery competitor.”
The Chargers’ signal-caller has certainly enjoyed an accomplished career since entering the league in 2004, making the Pro Bowl eight times. He currently ranks sixth all-time in career yards passing (58,990).
Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who has played against Rivers on three teams in his career, marveled at Rivers’ longevity and ability to stick with one team.
“He’s been one of the long-standing quarterbacks who’s been with a single franchise for most of his career,” Pennel said. “I mean, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Rivers and (Aaron) Rodgers are kind of in the same category as some of the greats that have done miraculous things for this game stat-wise and win-wise.”
Whatever happens with Rivers won’t be known until the offseason, and Chargers coach Anthony Lynn prefers to not look too far ahead.
“That’s something that we’ll reflect on and look at after the season,” Lynn said. “My focus is really right now. I don’t have the luxury to think about next week right now.”
Lynn is correct, of course, as the Chargers are trying to put an end to the Chiefs’ dominating run against the rest of the AFC West.
Since Reid arrived in 2013, the Chiefs have made the postseason six times and won four consecutive division titles (2016-19). Reid also holds a remarkable 26-3 record against divisional foes since 2015, including an 8-1 mark against the Rivers-led Chargers over that span.
Sunday’s contest is about more than what happens next with Rivers in Los Angeles. The Chiefs have business of their own to take care of, with postseason seeding still on the line.
The Chiefs (11-4) remain in the hunt for the AFC’s No. 2 seed, a game back from the New England Patriots (12-3). The Chiefs and Patriots play their respective games at the same time Sunday. A loss against the Chargers could see the Chiefs slip to the No. 4 seed if the Houston Texans (10-5) defeat the Tennessee Titans (8-7) later in the afternoon.
So, while Rivers’ future could be in limbo, the Chiefs aren’t thinking about who will under center for the Chargers in 2020 just yet.
“We’re not really listening to that noise,” Pennel said. “We’re taking it with the same approach that he’s going to be there whether he’s there after or not. We’ve still got him on Sunday.”
