Philip Rivers was ranked as the 32nd-best quarterback of all time with top-ten stats. There's a disconnect in that.
Drew Brees is the Chargers quarterback who had the best career overall; but Philip Rivers played his best ball in a Chargers jersey. He was consistent, prolific, and had top ten finishes in a number of key statistical categories to show for it. Rivers is therefore synonymous with the Chargers, much like Brees is with the Saints.
Bleacher Report just dropped their 99 greatest quarterbacks list, and the web is up in arms about the Rivers disrespect on the list. Rivers, top ten in passing yards, and passing touchdowns all-time came in at a mind-boggling number 32 on the list. He is also the Chargers franchise record holder in both of those two statistical categories. The former Chargers field general is generally regarded as one of the greatest talents and leaders in league history, with the numbers to back it up.
Speculation is that his lack of a Super Bowl win worked to his disadvantage. I would argue he got caught up in a Tom Brady and Peyton Manning world. They were ranked 1st and 3rd, respectively, and they were the ones Rivers was battling in his prime. Both these players were always in play for the AFC championship and were often a very tough out. Rivers' one AFC title game experience he lost to Brady. A gutsy game where Rivers battled through a torn knee (ACL included) in the second half.
Even Eli Manning who Rivers was involved in a draft-day deal for, has two titles. But from a pure skill and output standpoint, this list just confirms how underrated Rivers is.
By comparison, Brees came in 8th on the list. The first-ballot Hall of Famer who started out in San Diego and won comeback player of the year as a Charger is ranked fairly. Manning, however, was a full 8 spots ahead of Rivers at 24, which is much more debatable. It raises the questions would you rather have a career with the highest of highs and many disappointing lows, or consistent efficiency, although you never reach the peak? Manning is far less impressive statistically and with the eye-test, but has two legendary Super Bowl runs, knocking off Brady. With a number of signature plays and throws in the fourth quarters of those games as well.
While Rivers admittedly doesn't have that, 32 is way off. At least Drew Brees is representing the Chargers at the top of the list. And Justin Herbert even snuck on the list already.
Let the debate begin.