:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24041019/451771591.0.jpg)
Week 12 Quick Reads - Vince Verhei
Rivers started with the best YAR of the week, and then got a huge boost for opponent adjustments, bigger than anyone except Andrew Luck. In San Diego's last five drives (three touchdowns, a field goal, and a punt, each score tying the game or putting the Chargers ahead), he went 11-of-16 for 202 yards with two touchdowns, seven other first downs, plus a 12-yard DPI and one sack. On third downs, he went 11-of-13 for 199 yards with one touchdown and five other first downs.
These Chargers won't be ignored - Tom Krasovic (paywall)
Eleven games into this season, many things can be said about these Chargers. They are, in fact, a losing team (5-6). They are tied with five others in the slog for the AFC's final playoff spot. It seems their defense has starters who should be on the bench, and players on the bench who should be on the practice squad.
NFL Week 12 Sunday Studs and Duds - Kevin Seifert
Whisenhunt's work with Rivers and the Chargers' offense has reminded us how good he had the Arizona Cardinals going as head coach when he had competent personnel at quarterback. There will be more than a few NFL teams searching this winter for an offensive-minded head-coaching candidate with a history of elevating the play of quarterbacks. At this point, it's difficult to know how Whisenhunt couldn't qualify as a strong candidate for one of those jobs.
Clutch Encounters: Week 12 - Scott Kacsmar
Eric Berry was penalized 12 yards for pass interference after grabbing Gates. Berry made up for it by sacking Rivers on a blindside hit. Rivers was fortunate not to fumble. That used up San Diego's last timeout and registered as Kansas City's only sack of the day. On second-and-15 from the 26, Rivers dropped a perfect dime to Seyi Ajirotutu with Sean Smith in coverage for the game-winning touchdown with 24 seconds left.
32 Observations, Week 12 - Nathan Jahnke
Running back Danny Woodhead’s 2.17 Yards Per Route run this year is the third highest for all backs with at least 200 pass routes in a season over the last four years. He will play on third downs.
Race for Rookie of the Year, Week 12 - Khaled Elsayed
You often see receivers take time to adjust to life in the NFL, but Allen is already our eighth-ranked wideout with his receiving grade. Clearly already has the trust of Philip Rivers so what’s stopping him moving up?