The 5 Biggest Explanations for Philip Rivers' 2011 Regression

Philip Rivers was arguably one of the best quarterbacks last season. He led the league in yards and was in the top five in touchdowns as well. Rivers did all this with many injuries throughout his team. He completed at least one pass to 17 different receivers. Philip was in the MVP talks because of his best season in the NFL.

This season, he got Vincent Jackson back and a healthier Antonio Gates for the whole season. He's going to be unbelievable right? San Diego proved us wrong once again.

Last season, Philip Rivers had 13 interceptions. He already has 15 through 10 games this year.

In 2008, Rivers was No. 1 in quarterback rating. In 2009, he was No. 3. Last season, he was No. 2. Heading into week 12 this year, Rivers ranks 19th.

He ranks among the worst in the league. For anyone who has watched football in the last couple of years, you know this isn't the real Philip Rivers.

Well, here are five explanations for his regression.

5. Loss of Darren Sproles

Yeah, yeah, I know. The loss of one player won't affect a quarterback that much. But in my opinion, it's a big part.

There is no identity on offense. Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert are great, but they are not Darren Sproles. He's was the Chargers' swag—the one elusive player that could bust out a big play at any time and get the fans into it. Closest thing to that now is a fumbling Ryan Mathews.

Sproles didn't return, and neither did his play calls. I'm meaning the screen passes. San Diego still does them every once in a while, but not as much as they did with No. 43. Besides the fact of just running the play, it's nowhere near as successful as with Darren Sproles. 

Do I even need to mention his pass blocking?

The Chargers have lost some big name players in the last couple of years, but nothing compares to the loss of the lightning bug.

4. Mental Pressure

Let's be straightforward. With the position of quarterback in the NFL comes a lot of pressure and responsibility. You have to be the leader of an NFL team. Just that sentence would put pressure on me.

It is hard to be that guy. But that is what separates the best from the rest. Philip Rivers is still an elite quarterback, in my opinion. Everyone has that one season where they have no idea what's going on.

Maybe Tomlinson was right when he said:

"It’s hard to be ‘the guy.’ When they say this is your team, it’s hard to be the guy, because you get all the questions of what’s wrong and what’s right."

One thing about him is that he does keep his personal life very private. Maybe something is going on off the field that is distracting him?

Rivers is reminding me of LeBron James. Both are great players in their leagues, but they need to learn to face the pressure.

3. Banged Up Offensive Line

Protecting the blindside of a quarterback is the major concern on the offensive line. In San Diego, the biggest thing is getting enough players to fill that offensive line.

Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill has been out with a neck injury. Pro Bowl left guard Kris Dielman is on injured reserve because of concussion symptoms. Starting right guard Louis Vasquez is out with a sprained ankle.Tyronne Green, who is the No. 1 backup at guard, is out with a hand injury. Scott Mrcuzkowski, who was the next backup for Dielman, has been put on injured reserve as well.

That says enough doesn't it? Last week against Chicago, it was pretty much a footrace to Philip Rivers. As everyone knows, Rivers is not a mobile quarterback either. He's just not getting time to make the decisions he needs to make.

2. No Receiver Depth

Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Brown, Patrick Crayton, Richard Goodman and Bryan Walters.

Jackson is a top-10 receiver in the NFL. The Chargers would've been stupid to not re-sign him. The only risk on re-signing Floyd is his injury problems. Perfect example, this season. Vincent Brown has a bright future, but is being asked too much in San Diego right now.

Crayton just can't get open. Goodman is simply a terrible receiver and an average return man. Walters is one of those guys who shows up in the preseason but can't even prove himself at practice to make the roster unless there are injuries.

Philip Rivers pretty much has Jackson and Brown to throw to. He also has Gates, but we all know that he's on the wrong side of his career. Does anyone else see that most of the time Rivers has nobody open?

I bring this back to the front office decision heading into the season. They chose Richard Goodman and Bryan Walters over Seyi Ajirotutu and Laurent Robinson. How's that working out for you AJ? I'm sure Rivers doesn't like that choice. Two return men were chosen over two vertical threats down the field, which is the best part of Philip Rivers' game.

1. Norv Turner

Everything will come back to Norv Turner or A.J. Smith in San Diego.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Chargers have been running the same plays over and over. They make the same decisions all the time. They're...predictable.

This affects Philip Rivers the most. Defenses know what the Chargers are going to do. They know when and where they're going to run the ball. If there is no run game, play action doesn't work as well.

Norv Turner isn't helping Philip out at all. He designs plays that resemble all the others. One guy is running deep down field, Gates is on a slant, and the running back stays for a dump off. It's the type of play calling that forces Rivers to make costly decisions.

Other teams finally have caught on to the Chargers under Norv Turner. Not only is it showing with Philip Rivers, but it's reflecting on the entire team.

Solution: Fire Norv Turner.