NFL: How Norv Turner Can Get Philip Rivers and San Diego Offense Going Tonight

Philip Rivers' struggles have been well documented during the two weeks leading up to this Monday night matchup. The San Diego media have exhausted every possible theory, including ridiculous reports that his newborn baby could be deterring his play.

The speculation around Rivers may be merely a product of a media firestorm generated during a quiet bye week, but the concern can be seen on the field and in the stat sheet. Rivers currently sits at 18^th in QB rating with an 82.3.  At the moment, the three signal callers ahead of him are Mark Sanchez, Donovan McNabb and Andy Dalton, who could be reclassified as the two-face, the bench warmer, and the rookie.

For those who detest the QB rating, only Rivers nine interceptions rank him in the Top Five; only him and Josh Freeman have less interceptions than touchdowns among opening-day starters (the other, Rex Grossman, who was benched last weekend).  For a popular MVP-choice, Rivers has clearly under-performed.

However, there is hope for the Bolts faithful at Arrowhead Stadium if Rivers and head coach Norv Turner focus on these keys tonight.

Forget Max-Protection, Go for Quick Strikes

Watching this Chargers attack, one cannot help but notice the abundance of five-step drops and River’s frustration with the options downfield. This problem can be solved easily with a change in play calling.

Turner needs to use his receiving corps's size in a short passing offense to move the ball. With both Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson finally healthy, they can be utilized efficiently in a short passing offense with slants, curls, and fades that will allow them to use their bodies to shield defenders from pass break-ups. If Kansas City plans to sit back in zone, a mixture of short combination routes through two receiver sets will give enough time for both protection and effective routes.

No longer will Rivers have to stand in the pocket aimlessly searching for a target; the offensive game plan merely needs to be simplified, which will eventually lead to big plays with double-moves.

Make the Chief’s Respect Ryan Matthews

The Chargers are ranked 11^th in rushing offense but have only have 177 rushing attempts, which puts them at 22^nd in the NFL. In order for Rivers to be effective, San Diego needs to put more emphasis on their effective ground game. 

It doesn’t seem that Mike Tolbert will be able to go tonight, but Ryan Matthews has been enjoying a rebound year after a uneventful first year. Norv Turner would be wise to use Matthews as a check-down option in passing situations; he has been able to gain big chunks of yardage on the receiving end, especially in the screen game. Also, in games when Matthews has had at least 50 yards receiving, the Chargers are 3-0. So, it is easy to see why getting Matthews involved is paramount.

Go to the No-Huddle Offense Early and Often

Offenses can create panic and alter defensive game plans when they use a no-huddle offense. When they let Rivers call plays and speed up the attack, the Chargers sway the advantage in their favor and dictate the game. If they allow Kansas City to match up against their offense at a slow pace, the Chiefs will gain the strategic advantage and have to react at an easier tempo. 

It would be wise for Turner to start off with the no-huddle attack tonight and try to get his offense some confidence early. The move seems Belichick-ian, but maybe the San Diego coach needs to borrow a strategy from his Patriot adversary. His offensive unit was shut out in the second half in their last game against the Jets; if he wants more points, he’ll give his offense some freedom.