USA Today has an incredible article today proclaiming that the Chargers may have the juice for the Super Bowl. It looks long but it is definitely worth the read as most of it is dedicated to old #17.
Relatedly, you will enjoy this link.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, the longtime Bills scout, was sold on Rivers’ arm strength and leadership intangibles.
“Philip reminds me a lot of Dan Marino because of all my years in Buffalo,” Smith says. “People say, ‘Well, what do you mean Dan Marino?’ In the sense of his quick release and his ability to shuffle in the pocket and buy time with vision downfield. And he makes quick decisions. Dan couldn’t run and scoot, but he would shuffle left, shuffle right. But the vision was always locked, not looking at a rush guy. He knows they’re there. He feels the rush. That’s a quarterback gift.
“Philip is extremely accurate. Now it’s a matter of him growing on the job.”
ESPN analyst Merril Hoge also sees the comparison.
“Philip Rivers reminds me of Dan Marino,” Hoge says. “He’s already at a level of anticipation that’s unbelievable. He can throw that thing right over somebody’s shoulder right in their ear. He has a swagger when he throws the ball, a willingness to throw where other quarterbacks wouldn’t even dream of it. The only other guy I’ve seen like that is Marino.”
