There was once a time when Philip Rivers was the guy you wanted on your side, trailing late.
But that seems like a long time ago.
Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego points out that the Chargers have seemingly lost their knack for comebacks, unable to replicate the touch Rivers showed earlier in his career.
In 2010 and 2011, the Chargers had eight chances to win or tie with a game-ending drive, but lost all eight.
They won only twice since 2010 when they trailed in the fourth quarter.
Rivers used to be among the best. From 2006-09, his 13 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter were tied with Brett Favre for the most in a quarterback’s first 70 starts.
They were 8-1 in games decided by eight or fewer in 2009, which not coincidentally is the last time they made they playoffs.
Since then, they’re 7-11, including Sunday’s night’s loss at the Saints.
Rivers doesn’t have the same kind of talent around him he had in the past, but they’re not untalented. It’s just a different talent.
So maybe it’s Rivers who needs to change the way he does business, to get back to his old ways. Or it might be that a relationship with coach Norv Turner, which was productive for so long, simply has run its course.