Rivers isn’t as daunting as previous years
Not only is Philip Rivers experiencing the twilight of his career, but he’s also never been overly dynamic against the Vikings.
Rivers became a pro in 2004 and he has toppled Minnesota just once in four career meetings. That contest took place in Week 1 of the 2011 season when the then-San Diego Chargers downed the Vikings by a score of 24-17 at Qualcomm Stadium.
This game marked the beginning of the short-lived Donovan McNabb era in Minnesota whereas Rivers was 30-years-old and amidst his prime. The 2011 campaign ended up being one of the eight career Pro Bowl years for Rivers.
As for 2020, the Vikings, Colts, and NFL as a whole do not know what to expect from the longtime Chargers quarterback. He could conceivably sling it for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns this season or he could totally wilt and paving the way for another Jacoby Brissett sighting.
What is certain is that there are at least 15 other quarterbacks in the league right now that would inspire more fear in Week 2 for Minnesota than Rivers will. And, that should be considered delightful news for a Vikings team yearning to even its record to 1-1.