200 Club: Chargers’ Rivers 4th quarterback to reach starts mark

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Philip Rivers has many accomplishments, but there is one trait that he has taken pride in over his 15-year career — durability.

The Chargers’ veteran signal caller will become the fourth quarterback in NFL history to make at least 200 consecutive regular-season of toughness involved, but starts when then again, shoot, lots of Los Angeles prayers for me from many travels to people on Sundays and Seattle. guys’ protection that allow “It’s pretty me to be out there each and cool. I mean, obviously every week, whether dealing the two Mannings with minor things or (Peyton and Eli) and Favre big things.” have started over 200 in a Rivers’ streak is even row, and I just feel thankful,” more impressive considering Rivers said. “I think the physical and mental there is a small element demands of the position as well as the constant QB turnover throughout the league. Since Rivers’ first start on Sept. 11, 2006, at Oakland:

• There have been 179 different starting quarterbacks, including San Francisco’s Nick Mullens on Thursday night.

• Of that group, 78 have started for two or more teams and 12 have been with four or more. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been the most traveled with starts for six teams.

• While the Chargers have had only one starting QB, 18 teams have had 10 or more start under center and eight have had 13 or more with the Browns (18), Rams (16) and Vikings (16) leading the way.

• Rivers, who has a 111-98 record, has started against 91 quarterbacks and defeated 69, including Favre and both Mannings.

Longevity, though, is nothing new for Rivers, who started 51 consecutive games at North Carolina State.

“I think just being out there each and every week has always been important,” he said.