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Rivers Possible Starter vs. Houston in Opener

Link: http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/1573213p-7764249c.html


Published: Aug 27, 2004
Modified: Aug 27, 2004 6:55 AM

The Associated Press

The San Diego Chargers will get their first in-game look at quarterback Philip Rivers in tonight's 10 p.m. exhibition game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rivers, who missed 29 practices and two exhibitions during a contract dispute, will take the field in the second quarter and play into the third period in relief of starter Drew Brees.

Though the rust has shown, the former N.C. State star's practices this week since signing a contract Monday have been positive. But coach Marty Schottenheimer is eager to evaluate him against a stout opponent.

"I think he's done about as well as might be expected," Schottenheimer said. "I'm anxious to see him play in a game, because that will be a much better barometer for us."

Brees has played well. In two games, he has completed 68 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and an interception. But Schottenheimer isn't handing him the starting job just yet.

There's a chance Rivers could overtake Brees by the Sept. 12 opener in Houston.

"I'm confident that I can catch up and get back to where I need to be," said Rivers, who worked for an extra 90 minutes Thursday. "But I got to know it can't happen in a day or two days."
 
It may be a bit premature but if Rivers starts over Breeze in this game I think that this will give a great advantage to the Texans defense. Just mho.
 
What I like is how Rivers thinks that that extra 90 minutes of practice are going to take place of almost 30 practices he missed due to his holdout. I know the kid wanted to get paid, but if were serious about wanting to be the starter, he should have fought to get inked before camp

My :twocents:
 
They mentioned on NFL Live that the Chargers are undefeated in season openers when they start a rookie QB. Okay so maybe they're only 1-0 with that lone win coming with Ryan Leaf at the helm, but still I like the Texans 2-0 record in home openers despite who plays. A rookie QB against our defense? Marty must be a little bit off his rocker.
 
Neither QB should be able to beat the Texans, tomilson is the only thing that should be an issue for defense. Unfortunately, that is pretty big issue.
 
True but with Rivers in there I would expect Marty to concentrate more on the run than if he had Brees starting.
 
The Seahawks are beating the Chargers by 19 now in the 3rd quarter. 26-7

*edit* Had to add this picture of Marty's reaction during the game that I found. Struck me as funny.

capt.cali10608280433.seahawks_chargers_cali106.jpg
 
texasguy346 said:
They mentioned on NFL Live that the Chargers are undefeated in season openers when they start a rookie QB. Okay so maybe they're only 1-0 with that lone win coming with Ryan Leaf at the helm, but still I like the Texans 2-0 record in home openers despite who plays. A rookie QB against our defense? Marty must be a little bit off his rocker.
The Texans are 1-0 in home openers (against Dallas) and 1-0 in road openers (at Miami).

There is no way Rivers will start after missing training camp.
 
BornOrange said:
The Texans are 1-0 in home openers (against Dallas) and 1-0 in road openers (at Miami).

There is no way Rivers will start after missing training camp.

Geeze that was a big brain freeze on my part. Meant season openers. Guess I should proof read my stuff before I post.
 
You know what, I hope they do start Rivers here in Houston. I want the Texan "D" to give him the same treatment their "D" gave to Carr in 2002.
 
Only saw a few highlights on SportsCenter, but not enough to get a good idea of the O-Line play. Rivers got picked twice, and the pocket looked relatively clean in the plays highlighted but that doesn't say much. San Diego got a FG blocked and Simmons returned it for a Seahawks TD. I believe they're going with a rookie kicker from Iowa. If they stick with him that will be another aspect of the game in our favor.
 
why would they start rivers after the incredible preseason brees has been having? brees is actually looking good and could cause problems if no pressure is applied (think kansas city last year)
 
I actually think that the Chargers are going to play Breeze at the beginning of the season but then Rivers will over take him as the season rolls on and the losses mount. It is a tough situation in San Diego right now. There are many out there (and here) who really do like both quarterbacks. The potential with Rivers is unbelievable. Folks in North Carolina are bias because of the obvious N.C. State connection to Raleigh but it is for the most part homer's passing a lot of hot air.

Looking at the game comming up, I dont think that if Breeze or Rivers is starting it will make *that* big of an impact for the Texans. It will give an advantage to the Texans if Rivers is in there sure - and I dont think he'll have the ability to pick up disguised coverages or blitz's as well as Breeze. So that has something worth mentioning.

A few points about the Chargers that has their fans posturing. Their O-line is decimated. Their recievers core is depleted on top of not being very good in the first place. The defense is soft in the middle. And I dont think that they are going to quite know what to do with the screeching bookends in Peek and Babin. I think that with either guy in there (Breeze/Rivers) the Texans win.

With mincing a few words, our guys need to stuff the freakin' run. Tomlinson needs to get shut down. And needs to not catch the ball in the flat and then scamper for 15 or 20 and first down yardage. That has been his bread and butter. If we contain LT and keep a target on him all day, then San Diego will have a very hard time winning at Reliant. Just mho.
 
I think the only way that Rivers will start in the opener is if Brees manages to get injured. There's just too many things going against him at this point.
 
I would be stunned if Rivers starts against us. I feel for Brees. Hopefully the Westlake High product can get his chance on a team with more talent.
 
As long as Rivers can hand off to L.T., what more can the Chargers expect?
 
Realistically? If he starts the game against us I think we get at least 2 INT's.

Brees gives them a fighting chance.
 
If the Texans don't find a pass rush somewhere, the Chargers could put Elmer Fudd at QB and it won't make much difference.
 
if a healthy d-line is there, plus babin...im not too worried. eveyone just needs to put their heads on straight and play ball.
 
if a healthy d-line is there

That is precisely what has me worried. Not only for the opener but for the season. I need to see G-Funk and Seth in uniform for a couple games before I can breathe easier about our defense.
 
Oh, and BTW, it would be "San Diego Like" to start Rivers instead of Brees. Brees has had a good preseason, and he should be the starter IMO
 
Hi all, I'm brand new to the site. Live in Endicott, NY. My "little woman" is the aunt to John Freisor, #49 on your program. We're very interested to know if he has a shot to make the roster. Any new news would be appreciated. Feel free to email at Pp5561@aol.com. Thanks, Paul & Pam. :thumbup
 
We're very interested to know if he has a shot to make the roster

With the way all our tight ends keep getting hurt, I wouldn't be surprised. But honestly he's behind Billy Miller, Mark Bruener, Matt Murphy and Jabari Holloway. He really doesn't have much of a chance to make the final 53 imo. Practice squad maybe. Seems like a great guy with the type of character that our front office seeks out. Here's to a few breaks (not the bone kind) going his way.
 
Link: www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/ncsu/story/1580069p-7774771c.html

The Associated Press Aug 29, 2004

Two weeks before their opener in Houston, the San Diego Chargers haven't decided who will be their starting quarterback.
It'll be either Drew Brees, the starter for the past two years, or rookie Philip Rivers, the draft's fourth pick overall. But coach Marty Schottenheimer isn't ready to anoint his top guy just yet.

"We'll make a judgment on who we think that gives us the best chance to win the game and that's the way we approach it," he said. "Rookie, veteran, is really not relevant."

Brees is 26-of-40 for 361 yards in the Chargers' three exhibition games, two of which they've lost. He has two touchdown passes and two interceptions.

Rivers made his debut Friday after ending a contract holdout. He completed his first three passes, but finished 5-of-14 for 79 yards. He threw two interceptions and was sacked twice.

"You learn from it," said Rivers, the former N.C. State star. "I didn't want to struggle and throw the picks. I didn't expect to do that, but I was prepared that if I hit some bumps. ... It's part of it."
 
Chargers still unsure about quarterback situation
Sept. 1, 2004
SportsLine.com wire reports

SAN FRANCISCO -- While most teams will rest their starting quarterback as much as possible in the final exhibition game this week, the San Diego Chargers are still trying to figure out who theirs is.

Heading into Thursday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers, the competition between rookie Philip Rivers and Drew Brees remains wide open even though Rivers has been in camp less than two weeks.

"We really don't have to make that decision right now," coach Marty Schottenheimer said. "The competition is still open and I'm not going to handicap it just yet."

Brees has started the past two years, but the team soured on him when he threw 15 interceptions and only 11 touchdowns last season, finishing as the AFC's 15th-rated quarterback.

Rivers is clearly the quarterback of the future after San Diego got him from the New York Giants in a deal for Eli Manning after the Giants had taken him with the fourth pick. But a contract dispute led to a holdout and Rivers missed 29 practices and two exhibition games, seemingly pushing that future off.

Rivers made his first pro appearance last week against Seattle, going 5-for-14 for 79 yards in two interceptions in a rough debut.

"You learn from it," Rivers said. "I didn't want to struggle and throw the picks. I didn't expect to do that, but I was prepared that if I hit some bumps that I got to understand that. It's part of it. Not be satisfied with it, but know it's part of it."

Brees is 26-of-40 for 361 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in three exhibition contests and is hoping to keep the starting role.

"Obviously, that is a decision Marty is going to make," Brees said. "He told Philip and I from the beginning that it is going to be a competition."



CBS
 
Marty knows he is starting Brees. The Texans staff know he will start too. It shouldnt matter much to the Texans anyway. The Texans owe the Chargers a pounding and I'm predicting a blowout. Jr. and his boys were abnoxious the first time we faced those jerks. Jr. was pointing all in Carrs face and dancing all over the field. ( no taunting foul btw ) I'll never forget it and I hope the Texans havent either.

Go Texans! :thumbup
 
This article might explain the performance of the Texans in the final preseason game against the Bucs.

Texans happy to be healthy heading into season

Associated Press

HOUSTON -- The final preseason game was a mere diversion for the Houston Texans as they prepared for the regular season opener, and it showed.

Safe to say they were looking ahead. After all, the Texans already were game-planning and practicing for the opener against the San Diego Chargers, with reserve tailback Adam Matthews portraying LaDainian Tomlinson.

Thus the lackluster game Thursday night, a 17-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which neither first-team offense scored a point in limited action.

Houston finished the exhibition season 1-3, matching the win total from its inaugural season in 2002. The Texans went winless during the exhibition season last year.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index
ESPN
 
It dont really matter who they start,, cause we'll take them down. And lets HOPE AfTeR we beat san deigo we can beat detroit cause Carrs hair is getting a lil to long ,plus itd be a good way to start the season. Texans :boxing: San Deigo down !!!!!!!!!!
 
A week ago, I thought Rivers would probably get the nod, but since the last preseason game, it's looking like it will be Brees.

Rumors have been flying that the Bolts are shopping Flutie around. Either Brees or Flutie could be traded this week. We'll have to see what shakes out on the final cuts.

BTW: I'm a Charger fan, but live near San Antonio. I really don't want to talk the smack, since the Texans are my second favorite team. I'm not expecting much from the Chargers this year. I just want to see them improve, yet at the same time, fire Marty at the end of the season.
 
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