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Welcome to a new weekly feature where I find a reason to celebrate the San Diego Chargers' most recent game, whether that game was a win or a loss. After losses, should there be any, finding the silver lining might be a bit difficult. This week, however, it's easy to celebrate Philip Rivers.
Despite a shaky preseason, El Capitan has picked up in 2012 right where he left off in 2011. After not having a 70% completion percentage in 9 consecutive games last year, Rivers has easily hit that mark in 5 of his last 6 regular-season games.
Last night was vintage Rivers. Philip had the clock in his head working and, if he wasn't able to hit a receiver downfield within a few seconds, he was using his check-down receivers or getting rid of the ball to avoid the type of plays that kill drives. Over that poor 9 game span last season, he wasn't doing that, which is why he was sacked at least twice in all but 2 of those games.
Last night, with the defense working and his receivers catching everything thrown at them, Philip Rivers got to show once more that he might be the best "game manager" QBs that ever lived. Nobody is better at simultaneously avoiding mistakes and keeping the chains moving with a lead. As long as the defense can play well, and Rivers' internal clock is working, this seems like a recipe for success.