Philip Rivers Fan Site

Did the San Diego Chargers loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday officially knock them out of the playoffs. No… technically they still have a mathematical shot at getting in. But let’s be realistic. They’re done.

Philip Rivers stunk up the join with 2 interceptions while completing 15-26 passes for 159 yards. In a must win situation, he had the worst game of the year. And it’s not like he just throws interceptions when no one cares. He’s throwing them at crucial parts of the game.

Judge from Sportsline says:

No such luck on a horrible throw at the end of the first half. The Chargers held a 7-2 advantage and were driving for a sure score. On first-and-10 at the Pittsburgh 17, Rivers threw to a wide open Jackson … only the pass fell short — way short — and into the hands of Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison.

The gaffe not only cost the Chargers points; it led to a Pittsburgh field goal at the end of the first half.

“That was obviously a crucial play in the game,” Rivers said.

So was a second-quarter sack in the end zone, with Harrison blowing past tight end Brandon Manumaleuna to belt Rivers, force a fumble and produce a safety. Do the math, and you have five points the direct result of Rivers’ turnovers, and those points cost the Chargers another game.

“We just made too many mistakes,” Rivers said. “I made too many mistakes. And we came up short.”

I’m not really sure where the Chargers go from here. Do they completely enter rebuilding mode? Or do they keep fighting, hoping Denver can drop a few games. If they keep fighting, it could come down to the final game of the year when the Broncos head to San Diego.