2. He Was Better Than He Looked In 2019
After having one of his most efficient seasons in 2018 (4,308 yards, 68.3 completion rate, 32 touchdowns, 12 interceptions), Rivers threw for more yards last year (4,615 yards) but his touchdown-to-interception rate fell to 23:20. It’s worth noting the Chargers went 12-4 in 2018, and 5-11 last year.
According to Steven Ruiz of For The Win, Rivers threw a league-high nine interceptions when the Chargers had a win percentage under 15 percent. The team’s average win percentage at the time of his interceptions was 39.9 percent. Narrowing in on his 10 interceptions on neutral game states, Ruiz tabbed six as not being that terrible (three behind the line of scrimmage, two on third-and-15-plus and one on a receiver slip).
Rivers struggled under pressure last year, which is expected of all quarterbacks and he has never been mobile.
By at least two key measures, to which I’ll add getting rid of the ball faster, Rivers was far better than Brissett last year.
Ruiz’s article also cited above average marks last year for Rivers in expected completion rate (based on depth of target, receiver separation, etc.), accuracy on throws over 10 yards downfield and accuracy rate on tight-window throws. Better protection is a certainty in Indianapolis, and Rivers should be able to unlock their offense.
