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If you had the choice: Romo or Rivers?

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) kneels after being tackled in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) kneels after being tackled in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos need to fix the quarterback situation if they want to compete for a Super Bowl in 2017. That could mean fixing Paxton Lynch or Trevor Siemian, with a brand new coaching staff in place. Perhaps adding more pass-catchers and more offensive linemen could help one or both men become legitimate starters


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But the Broncos are now being linked to two perennial Pro Bowlers: Tony Romo and Philip Rivers. Thing is, Romo wants to go to Denver, but Ian Rapoport from NFL Network had this to report:

Woody Paige from the Colorado Springs Gazette also mentioned that sources close to him said that Rivers would consider waiving his no-trade clause to head to the Mile High City.

At this point, Romo is likely not going to Denver unless John Elway has a change of heart. Rivers’ chances of being traded by the Los Angeles Chargers should be considered slim to none right now.

But if Elway pursued both quarterbacks, who would the better option be?

These are two similar men with similar careers: They’ve both been the backbone on such talented teams since each became a starter in 2006. Rivers has completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 45,833 yards, 314 touchdowns and 156 interceptions. He has a mere 4-5 playoff record, however.

Romo (who has played 30 less games than Rivers due to multiple injuries), has completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 34,183 yards, 248 touchdowns and 117 interceptions. He has a lackluster 2-4 playoff record. His stats would be a lot more similar to Rivers if he didn’t miss 10 games in 2010, 12 in 2015 and basically all of 2016.

The thing is, Rivers is constantly putting up 4,000-yard seasons behind a very leaky offensive line, a ground game that lacked a bonafide star from 2010-2015 while having to deal with injuries to his two favorite weapons – Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates.

Romo has just four 4,000-yard seasons, despite playing with the likes of future Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, Jason Witten, along with Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. My point being? Rivers has done more with less, but Romo has been more reliable with holding onto the football.

If the Broncos don’t make changes to their o-line, Rivers is the better fit. He’s lacked strong pass protection for many years in San Diego and would be accustomed to being pressured a lot. He’s great at getting the ball out quickly.

But a guy like Romo has always played behind a strong offensive line with a reliable running back. C.J. Anderson is no Murray, or Marian Barber in his prime. If Romo isn’t getting the protection, he’s not going to be as great as he was in Dallas.

Also take into account Rivers has been far more healthy than Romo. He’s also just 35 years of age, whereas the oft-injured Romo is turning 37 this spring.

Even if Elway had to pay more to land Rivers over Romo, the former would be the better option for winning the Broncos another Super Bowl championship ring.

 

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