Since entering the NFL in 2004, beating Tom Brady has been Philip Rivers' white whale.
The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback sports an 0-7 record against the Brady-led New England Patriots over the course of his career, including a loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game during the 2007-08 campaign.
However, Rivers does not see that winless record as a battle against Brady. He instead sees the big picture, according to Kevin Duffy of The Boston Herald:
“I don’t feel like I’m playing Tom,” said Rivers. “We know how it works with the QB, head coach and the record attached to them.”
You can understand where Rivers is coming from with that answer, because hearing “Rivers can't beat Brady” must be irritating. After all, it isn't Rivers vs. Brady; it's the Chargers vs. the Patriots. The quarterbacks are not the only variables here.
This year, however, many feel that Rivers' Chargers have the edge. Los Angeles won 12 games during the regular season, finishing tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the AFC. It has also gone 8-1 on the road this year, meaning that New England's 8-0 home record during the regular season does not scare the Bolts one bit.
Also, the Chargers appear to have the more talented team overall this season, arguably possessing more overall talent on the offensive side of the football while owning the league's ninth-ranked defense as opposed to 21st for the Patriots.
So, if Rivers loses to New England this time around, you can bet that the “Rivers can't beat Brady” proclamations will commence once again, and Rivers will have more annoying questions to answer.
Follow Us
Subscribe