Niner Noise
FanSided

The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Chargers

Will Philip Rivers bounce back?

Then-San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers led the NFL with 21 interceptions last year, en route to an 87.9 passer rating — the lowest it has been since Rivers’ 2007 campaign (82.4).

Yes, Rivers was under pressure a lot last year, taking 36 sacks and lacking elite-level receiving weapons across the board. In all, San Diego’s offense still managed to boast the eighth-best passing numbers in the league (4,198 yards).

At 35 years old, though, Rivers’ timetable for getting the now-Los Angeles Chargers into the playoffs is diminishing. And it won’t get any easier within the AFC West.

Fortunately, he’ll have the services of former Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams who, at one time, was considered the best receiving prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft. Paired with veteran receiver Keenan Allen (let’s hope he stays healthy), L.A. could boast one of the more exciting wideout tandems in the NFL this year.

But this puts pressure on Rivers to perform much, much better than what was seen a year ago.

The move to Los Angeles doesn’t help matters. Ownership will want results quickly, and one can bet the team is already thinking about life post-Rivers.