Chargers' Offense Runs Through Rivers

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Sometimes circumstance necessitates change. When injuries reduced Chargers' superback LaDainian Tomlinson into a mere mortal during the 2008 season, quarterback Philip Rivers was forced to shoulder much of the load on offense.

But instead of cowering, Rivers accepted the extra weight on his broad shoulders and grew into one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Rivers produced an AFC-best 105.5 rating, threw for 4,009 yards and accounted for 34 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions. It was a coming-out party for the 6'5", 228-pound natural-born leader. He was the driving force behind the Chargers' late run that resulted in a AFC West division title and a trip to the AFC Divisional round.

Whether it was by design or not, the Chargers opened up the playbook and allowed Rivers more freedom to go down the field. As a result, Vincent Jackson became a bigger player in the deep passing game, which allowed All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates more room to operate in the middle of the field.

What Chargers' head coach Norv Turner and the coaching staff found out last season was that the team can forge ahead without Tomlinson, something this team was reluctant to do in previous years because the offense was so dependent on Tomlinson. The Chargers averaged more yards passing (250) and had more completions (312) in 2008 compared to 2007. It's not Air Coryell yet, but the improved passing attack has helped diversify the Chargers' offense and has afforded Turner more options.

Now that Rivers has shown he can carry the team for an entire season, Turner will most likely shift some of the plays to feature his quarterback and limit Tomlinson's touches to keep the often-injured All-Pro back healthy for a likely playoff run.

Tomlinson has officially handed the torch to Rivers and expect the quarterback to light up the scoreboard this season.

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