SAN DIEGO -- I had a chance to catch up with San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers on Tuesday, and we discussed several topics.
RiversHere is a sampling:
Rivers is excited about the prospect of playing with starting receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd and tight end Antonio Gates. Last season, the three played together for a total of one quarter of a game. Jackson held out much of the season, and Gates and Floyd were hurt late in the season. In 2009, those three players combined for 192 catches for 3,100 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns catches.
That is a lot of missed opportunities for Rivers. However, he still passed for a career-high 4,710 yards in 2010.
Rivers said he is thrilled to have his top receivers back, but the good part about last season was that several other players showed they can contribute to the offense, including receiver Patrick Crayton and tight end Randy McMichael.
Add veteran free-agent pickup Laurent Robinson and rookie receiver Vincent Brown, and Rivers likes what he sees.
“We have a lot of weapons,” Rivers said. “I have so many different guys who I can count on. It’s really going to be exciting.”
Meanwhile, Rivers complimented second-year running back Ryan Mathews for his development in camp. Mathews has been maligned for not showing up to camp in prime shape, and he has continued to deal with nagging injuries. He likely will not play Thursday against Seattle as a precaution because of a minor leg injury.
However, Rivers said Mathews is making strides in all aspects of the game, including pass protection. Rivers said he believes Mathews will only improve as he takes more repetitions.
Rivers admits it didn’t break his heart to see star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha leave Oakland and the AFC West to sign with Philadelphia. However, Rivers said he is impressed by Oakland cornerbacks Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson, who likely will replace Asomugha.
“Nnamdi is great, but Routt and Johnson can cover,” Rivers said. “Oakland had us covered as well as anyone in [Oakland’s 28-13 win at San Diego in December]. ... Those guys can play.”
Rivers also has been impressed by rookie free-agent quarterback Scott Tolzien. Rivers said he knew the first day he saw Tolzien that Tolzien is more than camp fodder.
“He’s a pro,” Rivers said. “You can tell the kid can handle himself.”
If the Wisconsin product has a good preseason, perhaps San Diego will add him on the active roster behind Rivers and Billy Volek.