The Jacksonville Jaguars will have to reverse some ugly numbers against Philip Rivers to beat the San Diego Chargers in Week 2.
According to the Florida Times-Union, Rivers has powered wins over Jacksonville in each of the past three seasons, throwing for 962 yards, eight touchdowns and zero interceptions over the three-game stretch.
“I think we are coming up with a good game plan and trying to do the best we can to slow him down,” defensive coordinator Todd Wash said. “He has the ability to put some big numbers up, regardless of who is playing for him.”
Last year, Rivers tortured the Jaguars for four touchdowns in a 31-25 win. The year prior, his 377 passing yards and three scores led to a 33-14 victory. His career numbers over six games against the Jaguars: 15 touchdowns, four interceptions, a 116.4 passer rating and five wins.
“He’s always played well against us,” Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny said. “We need to find ways to put pressure in his face and play tight coverage to disrupt his throws and his timing. He’s an elite quarterback. From the jump, we know we have to be on point right away.”
The Jaguars played well enough against Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the season-opener, holding the two-time NFL MVP to 199 passing yards and two touchdowns. In fact, the defense gave Blake Bortles and the offense a chance to win the game by providing a late fourth-quarter stop.
The Jaguars will need to play as well—or better—to combat Rivers on the road in San Diego.
Luckily, Jacksonville won’t have to deal with receiver Keenan Allen, who tore his ACL in Week 1. In 2014, Allen helped Rivers shred the Jaguars, catching 10 passes for 135 yards.
Both the Jaguars and Chargers are heading into Week 2 looking for their first win. How Jacksonville handles its latest test with Rivers will likely decide which club improves to 1-1.
