Rookie Scouting Portfolio contributor Mark Schofield showcases Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and his ability to remain calm in the cauldron.

During the run-up to the 2016 NFL draft, our fearless leader Mr. Waldman put together a video on then-USC quarterback Cody Kessler, who is now the starting quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Like all of Matt’s work, the video and accompanying article were pieces of content that made me insanely jealous, due to Matt’s incredible ability to write and talk about this game. The video highlighted Kessler’s ability to remain “calm in the cauldron,” a phrase that I instantly stole when I did my own video on the USC passer a few weeks later.

This week an interesting statistic was brought to my attention thanks to the wise people over at ESPN’s NFL Matchup show. The number is 93.8. That is the quarterback rating for Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers this season when facing pressure.

Earlier this season, I put together a video on Rivers and his ability to beat the blitz. However, seeing that statistic pushed me back to the tape. After rewatching Rivers this season, I came away impressed with his ability to stay calm in the cauldron, stand tall in the pocket, and deliver strong, precise throws while knowing full well he’s about to take a shot in the chops.

This might finally be the season that the Chargers have a breakthrough, and earn playoff success. If Rivers continues to stay so calm in the cauldron, as he does on these three plays, it would provide a huge boost to their chances.

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