KC Chiefs: Four AFC West players who could regress in 2019

Philip Rivers

There may be no greater nemesis to the Chiefs at the quarterback position in recent years than Philip Rivers. Rivers’ fire as a competitor is clearly seen on the field and has pushed him through a Hall of Fame career. It seems as though Rivers’ will to win is purely the impetus behind many of the Chargers’ victories.

While Rivers continues to fight to earn a first-ever Lombardi Trophy for himself and the Chargers, it may be too late. Quarterbacks like Tom Brady or Drew Brees are a rarity in terms of playing at an elite level into their late 30’s and early 40’s. Rivers still has the fire, but does he have the ability?

Much like Peyton Manning in 2015, it’s becoming evident that Rivers doesn’t have the arm that he once did. Rivers is surrounded by one of the more talented teams in the NFL, but he still has to bring all those pieces together. Fortunately for him, the Chargers boast one of the better defenses in the league.

On the offensive side of the ball, Rivers has talented young players like running back Melvin Gordon, wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and tight end Hunter Henry. For years, Rivers had help from his always-consistent tight end, Antonio Gates.

With Gates likely out of the picture for good this time, the pressure is really on Henry to make the most out of what Rivers has left. Also worth mentioning is the loss of Tyrell Williams to the Oakland Raiders, one of the quarterback’s better receivers.

It’s easy to see how consistently good Rivers has been over his career but like all good things, they must come to an end. That end may become easier to see when the Rivers-led offense faces the Chiefs improved defense this season.

Here’s to hoping that Kansas City makes him perform as bad as they did Manning in his last game against the Chiefs.