Raiders vs Chargers: Why Philip Rivers Is Bound to Break Out of Slump

To say Philip Rivers has struggled this season would be a huge understatement. The 29-year-old quarterback has stumbled out of the gate this year, throwing a whopping 14 interceptions against 11 touchdowns through eight games. But on Thursday night Rivers looks poised to finally break out of his slump.

Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, Rivers completed 26 of 46 passes for 385 yards, with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He threw two of those interceptions in the first quarter and both were returned for touchdowns. After that, Rivers was on fire until the final drive of the game where he threw his third pick.

Rivers has shown glimpses of the quarterback we all know he is this season, but somehow he can't just keep from turning the ball over. Against Green Bay his first interception was thrown slightly behind Antonio Gates but the veteran should have been able to make the catch. His second came due to wideout Patrick Crayton running the wrong route on a blitz read. 

This week, Rivers faces a Raiders defense that ranks 20th in the NFL, allowing 246.9 yards per game. If he's ever going to break out of his below-average season it will happen tonight, at home, against the team's biggest rival. 

The Chargers struggled earlier in the year because of several key injuries. While Gates probably won't be fully healthy all year, he finally appears to be up to speed in the offense. Meanwhile, Vincent Jackson is back to full strength after struggling with abdominal and hamstring injuries to open the year. While Malcom Floyd won't play Thursday night, rookie Vincent Brown has shown himself to be a capable fill-in.

I think Rivers will finally play up to his ability Thursday night. The Chargers are 4-4, tied atop the AFC West and need a win against the Raiders tonight. Rivers will finally rise up to the occasion.