by Wayne Reeves

Created on: February 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

After four seasons of NFL action, the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers are just starting to see what they got in their draft day trade back in 2004. Eli Manning was drafted 1st overall by the Chargers, but then was traded soon after when Philip Rivers went 4th overall to the Giants.

According to Manning and his family, he had no intention of playing in San Diego, for what reason we shall never ultimately know; plenty of other great players have adapted to life there, why couldn't Eli? It's not hard to forget that Manning was part of the dramatic Super Bowl XLII winning team, he played well enough in that game, but there are grave doubts as to his ability to sustain that type of play in the years to come.

Philip Rivers has now taken over command of the Chargers offense for the foreseeable future; he spent his first two years in a backup capacity to Drew Brees initially. Now Rivers is in control at San Diego and he's wasted no time at all letting people know it, he isn't afraid to show some passion for the game; something the Manning doesn't do nearly enough. Rivers will berate a team-mate as quickly as shout across to a rival player, not afraid to lead from the front and take responsibility.

A fiery competitor, Rivers has heart and desire to do whatever it takes, this was witnessed in the playoffs this season. After sustaining a leg injury early in the playoffs, he played on until forced out of the Divisional game at the Indianapolis Colts. He later returned to face the New England Patriots; maybe the injury hampered his play somewhat but he played through it.

You need a quarterback that you can relate to on your team, Rivers give the Chargers that personality, distinctly lacking when compared to Manning. The charisma that Rivers exudes just doesn't emanate from Manning in any form, how you can consider building a team around a 'ghost' is difficult to comprehend? The quarterback should be someone that is approachable for team members, not an isolated character on the sideline.

The quarterback is the unofficial leader of the team, you have to feel confident in him, that he will be there for you when it matters, in the long run that has to Philip Rivers. Eli Manning, brother of Peyton Manning, had an incredible run of games, but it shouldn't make a career. Eli doesn't elicit the same sense of excitement when he's on the field; more known for his errors with fumbles and turnovers than desire to win games.

In the years to follow, look out for Rivers and the Chargers, they figure to be around alot longer than Manning and the Giants one season wonders. Rivers is a passionate, aggressive quarterback that any team would be happy to have at their disposal, his career looks set to get better and better.

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