Philip Rivers thinks his best football is ahead of him

May 13, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks at a press conference at organized team activities at Chargers Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers had the San Diego Chargers running the AFC West once upon a time. Now they’re just competing for second place behind the Denver Broncos. In 2012, Rivers posted his first losing season as quarterback of the Chargers and failed to throw for 4,000 yards for the first time since 2007.

But Rivers doesn’t think this is the start of his decline, despite the fact that he’ll turn 32 in December.

“I think my best football is ahead of me, I really do,” Rivers said, via the USA Today. “That’s being optimistic, because we’ve had a lot of really good years. I am probably on the second half of my career, the back end, but I think I’ve got a lot of good football left.

“To me, the bad is always magnified (more) than the good, and there has been some bad. But there has been a heck of a lot of good.”

In the past two seasons he has thrown 35 interceptions, been sacked 79 times and fumbled 24 times. Tony Romo would be crucified for those kind of numbers, but this has largely gone unnoticed.

“This next year or these next two years, Philip Rivers’ career and his legacy depend on how he performs. Because right now, if he doesn’t win or change this around, he’s the one who is going to become expendable,” former San Diego Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal said.

The front office allies Rivers had, general manager A.J. Smith and Norv Turner, are no longer with the Chargers.

“This new regime, they want to win. Philip Rivers is not the head coach’s guy. He can become that guy. Philip understands what’s at stake. He understands if he wants to become an elite quarterback, he’s going to have to put some numbers up. No question, this is a crossroads year for Philip. And if you asked him, he would tell you, ‘I can’t afford to have another two years like I had.'”