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A late strike from Yannick Sagbo averted an upset as Premier League Hull snatched a draw and a replay away to Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round.

Sagbo had hit the bar for the visitors before Brighton took the lead, Leonardo Ulloa galloping clear to stroke home.

Hull rallied as Curtis Davies went close, but were spared when Ulloa wasted a fine chance on half-time.

It looked like the Argentine's goal would be decisive, but Sagbo fired in to cap a spell of late Hull pressure.

For much of the second half it seemed that Brighton were destined for a reunion with former manager Gus Poyet, whose Sunderland side await the tie's winners in the last eight.

Oscar Garcia, Poyet's replacement at the Amex Stadium, has guided the Seagulls to the fringes of the play-offs in the Championship and, after he appeared to prioritise promotion with seven changes to his starting line-up, his team turned in a performance of quality and tenacity to take Hull to the brink.

World Cup 2014: Roy Hodgson confident of successful tournament

England manager Roy Hodgson says he is confident Brazil will host a successful World Cup despite potential problems with stadiums and protests.

Hodgson is on a visit to Manaus, where England face Italy in their opening game at the Arena Amazonia, but there are fears an unfinished stadium in Curitiba could be pulled.

"Fifa and the Brazilian government has put in a lot of work," Hodgson said.

"So I don't see any reasons for us technicians to doubt them."

A potential repeat of the violent protests that dogged the Confederations Cup is a concern for organisers, but Hodgson said he had faith in the local organising committee.

The Arena Amazonia, like five other World Cup venues, was not ready by the Fifa deadline of 31 December 2013.

But Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke declared he was happy with the stadium in a visit over the weekend, and officials say it is 97% complete.

Man City face worst Barcelona team for years says Jose Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims Manchester City will face the "the worst Barcelona of many, many years" in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The Spanish side won the competition in 2009 and 2011 but have failed to make it past the semi-finals since.

Former Real Madrid coach Mourinho said: "City have a chance."

Meanwhile Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says his team may have lost their fear factor ahead of the first leg at Etihad Stadium.

Mourinho, who worked at Barcelona under the late Sir Bobby Robson, has had a tense relationship with his former club and appears to have stirred the tensions ahead of the game.

"Of course by history Barcelona is the favourite, but this Barcelona, this season, is showing that it is not the same in previous years," he told ITV.

"Of course, they have [Lionel] Messi - he is special - and they have more than him. But I think this is the worst Barcelona of many, many years."

Mourinho's comments came after former Manchester United centre-back Pique admitted his side may not be as highly regarded as they once were.

He said: "Maybe they don't fear us as before because in the last two years we didn't win the Champions League.

"We can still be the best, but we have to show to the world we can do it."

Barca's most recent Champions League successes came under former coach Pep Guardiola, but Tito Vilanova's side were thumped 7-0 in a two-legged semi-final by eventual winners Bayern Munich last season.

The club - with Gerardo Martino now in charge - have had to contend with off-the-field problems this term, with the transfer of Brazilian forwardNeymar under investigation by a Spanish court and Sandro Rosell resigning as club president as a consequence.

Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini has guided City to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time, their free-scoring football including a 3-2 win over Bayern at the Allianz Arena.

Such an approach has drawn comparisons with Barcelona, and Martino said City, who are chasing a quadruple of Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League titles, were one of the best teams in the world.

The Argentine, whose side are top of La Liga, said: "They do play a similar style to us, but they are not a mini-Barcelona or a mini-anyone else.

"I think they are one of the greatest teams in the world.

"They have great Spanish players such as Jesus Navas and David Silva, but it is not only Spanish players.

"They have great players from all over the world such as Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho."

City will be without top scorer Aguero, who has a hamstring injury, but Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho could return after injury.

Martino said: "For the last six seasons Barcelona have made it to the semi-finals and the fans are used to that.

"It will be difficult to understand if we don't go through but it is the tightest tie of all."

Pique, 27, added: "The only way we have to speak is on the pitch. We know that in the club in the last six months there were some things that we cannot control as players.

"All we can do is play on the pitch and show the world that we can still be the best and try and play a great game against a great team like Manchester City."

Still United with Reds

• Pique, who played for Manchester United between 2004 and 2008, said he would still prefer to play for his former team over Manchester City despite his old club's woes this season. "What do you think?" he asked. "If I had to choose one, it would be United."
• Pique also revealed his taste in Manchester music. "I didn't know any of them when I came but I like Happy Mondays, New Order, the Charlatans," he said.

Arsene Wenger: Jose Mourinho has embarrassed Chelsea

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Jose Mourinho has embarrassed Chelsea by calling him a "specialist in failure". 

Blues boss Mourinho made the remark after Wenger said other Premier League managers were playing down their title chances because they "fear to fail".
But, after Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup win over Liverpool, Wenger said Mourinho's words were "silly and disrespectful".

Chelsea top the Premier League by a point from the Gunners, with Manchester City another two points back in third.

"I do not want to go into that silly, disrespectful remark," Wenger told BT Sport.
"I never spoke about him in my press conference and I will not start.
"The only thing I know is it's more embarrassing for Chelsea than for me. I'm embarrassed for him, honestly. I'm not interested in the subject at all. That is really genuine.
"I love football - and I'm sorry to disappoint you - what's interesting for me is what happens on the pitch."
Mourinho has previously criticised Wenger, the Blues boss having described him as a "voyeur" in 2005 after his rival questioned Chelsea's transfer policy.
On Monday he was quoted by several newspapers as saying: "The only thing I feel is that I was very quiet in my place and somebody spoke not in a nice way about us.
"After that, I don't accept that one is always 'Monsieur polite' and the other one is always the bad guy. I don't accept, I'm sorry."
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson told BBC Radio 5 live on Sunday that the Portuguese is a "bully" engaging in "boring" mind games.
Wenger's side moved into the FA Cup quarter-finals with victory in an enthralling fifth-round tie on Sunday.
Goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski put Arsenal, who have not won any silverware since their 2005 FA Cup triumph, into the last eight.

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It helped avenge last weekend's 5-1 thrashing at Anfield in the Premier League, while also providing a timely confidence boost ahead of Wednesday's visit of Champions League last-16 opponents Bayern Munich.
But after Steven Gerrard gave the visitors hope with a 59th-minute penalty, the Gunners were fortunate not to concede a second spot-kick for a clumsy Oxlade-Chamberlain tackle on Suarez.
"The intensity of the performance pleased me, I am very proud of the way we responded to the huge defeat that we had last week," said Wenger.
Mourinho's side were eliminated from the FA Cup by a 2-0 defeat at fellow title chasers Manchester City on Saturday.

Pellegrini unfazed by Barcelona

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is adopting a 'no fear' approach as his side prepare to face Barcelona in the Champions League.

The Chilean coach welcomes the Spanish champions to the Etihad Stadium for the first leg of an eagerly-anticipated last 16 showdown on Tuesday night.
It will be the first time the sides have locked horns since 2009, when City - under the tutelage of Mark Hughes - claimed a remarkable 1-0 victory against the reigning European champions thanks to a Martin Petrov strike.
City warmed up with a 2-0 disposal of Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday and while acknowledge the breadth of talent on offer in the Barcelona ranks, Pellegrini insists the Sky Blues are able to match their opponents.
"It's a good chance to show how good we are," he told the Daily Mail.
"They have a lot of experience, they have a great team, they have the best player in the world but I think also we are a good team with good players.
"I don't have any fear about playing Barcelona because this team has got to continue to develop the mentality to play against important teams, whether that's in the last 16, the quarter-final. I hope we can win at home."
Pellegrini heads into the clash without the free-scoring Sergio Aguero or defender Matija Nastasic but will have been encouraged by the performances of Javi Garcia, Stevan Jovetic, Joleon Lescott and James Milner at the weekend.
Barcelona meanwhile, have former Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi at their disposal, as well as Spain internationals Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta but Pellegrini claims City are equal to the threat.
"Barcelona have some players of advantage but it is small," he added.
"Barcelona have been the best team in the world for the past three or four years and have so many great players. But in our team we have so many good players. It is going to be a spectacular game.
"We need to be aggressive and the result, hopefully, will come. We believe we can win."

Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool: Penalty decision strange - Rodgers

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says it was a "strange decision" by Howard Webb not to award his team a second penalty in their 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Arsenal. 


The Reds, who had already scored through Steven Gerrard's spot-kick, felt Luis Suarez was fouled by Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Referee Webb, who was well positioned, ruled it was fair as Arsenal went on to reach the last eight.

"It was probably more clear and blatant than the first penalty," said Rodgers.
"I thought it was quite an easy decision for the ref. Luis has a touch, gets around him and it looks a blatant penalty. It was a strange decision."
Goals from Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski put the home side in command at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, before Gerrard's calm finish set up a dramatic finale.
Webb awarded the spot-kick after Suarez was clipped by Gunners forward Podolski in the 59th minute.
But the Sheffield official, who will go to this summer's World Cup as England's top official, was unmoved when the Uruguayan tumbled again eight minutes later.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he was unsure whether the foul should have been given. "I have seen the incident and will have to look again - maybe, maybe not," said the Frenchman.

Mourinho names Matic and Luiz in Chelsea midfield ahead of City clash as Oscar misses out

Jose Mourinho is planning to park the bus at Manchester City this evening after it emerged his playmaker Oscar will miss out.

The omission of Oscar, who has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season, from the starting line up would be a massive gamble for Mourinho.

Yesterday Mourinho trained with David Luiz and new signing Nemanja Matic in the holding midfield roles as he attempts to stop City's Yaya Toure.

The Chelsea midfield's task may be made easier by the fact that Martin Demichelis looks set for a start in midfield for City as Brazilian Fernandinho misses out through injury. 

With Ramires on the right, Eden Hazard will be on the left and Willian is likely to start behind striker Samuel Eto’o in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

But Mourinho knows City, who have won all 11 games at the Etihad in the Barclays Premier League, are a formidable outfit.

Chelsea won this fixture at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season when Fernando Torres scored in the final minute against City.

It prompted Mourinho to jump into the stands to hug his son Jose Junior, which cause much rancour with Manuel Pellegrini when they refused to shake hands at the final whistle.

Source :Daily Mial

When Mourinho last took Chelsea to face City, CITY XI worth just £13.5m (but tonight Pellegrini's starting XI will be worth £160m!)

Almost seven years after his last visit to Manchester City, Jose Mourinho takes Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium tonight to face an altogether different challenge.

In 2007 Chelsea were the side splashing millions on the world's best players, winning trophies and challenging for European glory.

Fast-forward to the present day and, while Chelsea are still one of England's elite, City now compete on a level playing field after vast investment from billionaire owner Sheik Mansour.

The hosts will include some of the biggest - and most expensive - names in football in their line-up on Monday evening but things were very different for manager Stuart Pearce when the Special One last came to town.

Unlike current boss Manuel Pellegrini, who has a wealth of talent at his disposal, Pearce fielded a team made up of academy players and bargain buys as the visitors ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of Frank Lampard's first-half penalty.

Pearce's side cost just £13.5million, a stark contrast to the likely £160m starting XI who will look to leapfrog Arsenal and regain top spot in the Premier League at the Etihad.

City went on to finish 14th in 2007, a massive 41 points behind Chelsea who ended the season in second behind Manchester United.

Brazilian midfielder Elano finished as the club's top scorer with just eight goals. In comparison Sergio Aguero, who joined City from Atletico Madrid for £38million in 2011, has already found the back of the net 15 times in the league this season (and 26 in all competitions).

Although his players battled to a hard-fought 1-0 victory in his last away game against City, Mourinho will be well aware of the task his side face against Pellegrini's free-scoring side.

Super Manning, motormouth Sherman, Scarlett Johansson sucking a straw and Beckham's $4m starkers ad... why you should watch the Super Bow

Any plans for Sunday night? Thought not. The Denver Broncos play the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, and here's why you should ready your excuses to miss work on Monday… 

Let's get the basics out of the way… 

The two best teams in the NFL meet at Metlife Stadium, New Jersey. And it should be a thriller. Both posted a 13-3 regular season record, with the free-scoring Broncos (ranked top for both scoring and yards) blazing a trail with a record 606 points, an average of 37.9 points a game.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch David Beckham discuss the Super Bowl

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Infamy: Veteran Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is looking to top a career-best season with a Super Bowl title

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Young pretender: But Russell Wilson is hoping to stop him and hand the Seattle Seahawks their first ever win in the big game

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The prize: The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks will battle for the Vince Lombardi trophy

Intriguingly, the Seahawks' success is based on a stingy defense, conceding an average of 14.4 points a game. The Broncos are making their seventh Super Bowl appearance (they won back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998), while the Seahawks are making their second after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.

The Broncos will be in orange, the Seahawks in white. If you're a believer in fate, this is not a good omen for Denver, having lost their past three Super Bowls in the colour. It is the first outdoor, cold-weather Super Bowl and though conditions are not expected to mirror the Arctic as once feared, it's going to be a bit nippy. 

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Celebrations: Denver Broncos cheerleaders make snow angels in confetti after the team beat the New England Patriots

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Last gasp: Richard Sherman's last minute play allowed the Seahawks to beat the San Francisco 49ers and advance to the Super Bowl

 

The greatest? 

Many will tell you that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is the best ever. And the future Hall of Famer's stats speak for themselves; 167 regular season wins, 64,964 career yards, 491 touchdowns and a 97.2 career passer record. 

At 38, he is in the form of his life, throwing more touchdown (55) and posting more yards (5,477) than anyone had done before. He's won a Super Bowl (with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007) and will be the first quarterback to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy with two teams, should the Broncos triumph. He'll also level the record of his younger brother Eli, who led the New York Giants to wins in XXXX 

However, detractors point to his his 11-11 postseason record (New England's Tom Brady has a clinical 18-8), and whether Manning wins the 'greatest ever' argument will depend on whether the Broncos win. 

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Weapons: Manning led the Broncos to one of the greatest offensive seasons of all time this year

 

And the other guy? 

Russell Wilson, a third round draft pick who was good enough at baseball to be drafted by the Texas Rangers, overcame worries about his height (he stands at 5ft 11in) to become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the game. Now in his second year in the NFL, the mobile 25-year-old posted a 100 passer rating in each and 1,000 yards rushing, leading the Seahawks to 27 wins. 

And he's done it all on the cheap. His 2014 salary is $526,217; Manning earns more in one game. He was the second top-selling NFL jersey this season, with Manning at No 1. 

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Dynamic: Wilson is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL

 

What's everyone (not) talking about? 

In the seven days of the two-week build up, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman was the news. He sealed victory over San Francisco with a last-gasp interception, thus booking the Seahawks' Super Bowl ticket, and launched a live post-game rant at 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

A divisive character, detractors label him a 'thug'. Yet the articulate Sherman, who has a Masters degree, is one of the best in the game with his reach, wingspan and ability - not to mention his mouth - making him a fearsome opponent.

A third round draft pick in 2011, his 16 interceptions over the past two seasons are the highest in the NFL during that period, 

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In the spotlight: Sherman was branded a thug after his post-game outburst after the win over the 49ers

Meanwhile, running back Marshawn Lynch has been in Least Mode. As part of their contracts, NFL players are obliged to talk to the media. But the shy Lynch refused during the regular season, attracting a $50,000 fine.

He has been late for press duty all week and has left early.

'I really ain't got too much to say, boss,' said Lynch. 'I really don't. I appreciate it, but I don't get it. I'm just here so I won't get fined, boss. That's the only reason I'm here.' 

But, as Sherman says, Lynch prefers to do his talking on the field. And he's great to watch, too. An aggressive runner with a fearsome stiff arm, he rushed for 1,257 yards during the regular season, his third consecutive season with at least 1,200 yards.

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Shying away: Marshawn Lynch has faced heavy fines because he's failed to make the required media appearances

 

Attacking options 

In Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, the Broncos boast a fine receiving corps and with tight end Julius Thomas, Manning has plenty to throw at. All four caught 10 or more touchdown passes this season, putting on as many 50-point games (three) as the entire NFL. They've punted just once in the post-season and they've learnt to use the run game. Knowshon Moreno posted 1,038 yards - an average of 4.3 per carry - and he can catch too. 

 

The Legion of what? 

Boom! Seattle's fearsome defense features the hard-hitting Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Sherman. Brandon Browner is also a founding member, but he's been suspended for a year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. They gave up the fewest passing yards per game (172) and forced the most turnovers (39). They are loud, brash and quite brilliant. 

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The Legion of Boom: Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas make up a fearsome Seahawks defense

 

Who's in charge? 

Broncos head coach John Fox had open heart surgery in November after collapsing on a golf course. The 58-year-old compared the operation to 'a sprained ankle', missing four games (the Broncos went 3-1, losing to the New England Patriots). The perpetually hoarse Fox has been to the Super Bowl before, having lost with Carolina Panthers a decade ago.

Meanwhile, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, 62, has never been to a Super Bowl but he did coach USC to two BSC championships. He's transformed t5he Seahawks since joining in 2010, and has had unsuccessful stints as head coach with the New York Jets (1994) and New England Patriots (1997-99). Voted the coach players would most like to play for in a recent poll, Carroll is one of the best paid in the game after raking in $7m last season. Fox makes half that with the Broncos. 

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The X-Factor?

Signed on a six-year, $67m deal from the Minnesota Vikings in the post-season, Percy Harvin has played just 40 snaps in a Seahawks shirt after an injury-hit season. An explosive receiver and kick returner, he could be a game-changer.

 

And there's a concert at half-time?

Pint-sized Hawaiian crooner and man of many hats Bruno Mars will rattle through his back catalogue, as will the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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Pop star: bruno Mars (above) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (below) will perform the half time show

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Any tickets?

Er, yes. And if you fancy braving the elements, it'll cost you $1,236. That is expected to fall.

How much?

A 30-second advert costs a meagre $4million. Expect to see Scarlett Johansson sucking a straw and David Beckham starkers.

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Sultry: Scarlett Johannson is expected to cause a stir with an advertisement for a soft drink

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Big spender: David Beckham's advert for H&M cost $4m

When's it on?

Channel 4's coverage begins at 10:30pm, Sky Sports 1 will be showing Fox's Super Bowl Daily from 7pm, with their coverage starting at 10pm.

What time will it finish?

3:00am, give or take. Sleep's overrated anyway… 

David Beckham excited about attending the Super Bowl

Countdown of the top-ten best Super Bowls

 

SOURCE:Daliy Mail

Packers' Eddie Lacy wins Offensive Rookie of the Year

 Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy nudged out San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen for the 2013 Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award at Saturday's "NFL Honors" ceremony.

Offensive Rookie of the Year voting
Player	Position	No. of votes
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers	RB	35
Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers	WR	12
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals	RB	1
Larry Warford, Detroit Lions	OT	1
Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings	WR/KR	1

It was the correct call.

Whereas Allen finished 22nd in receiving yards and 13th in receiving touchdowns, Lacy placed eighth in rushing yards and third in rushing scores. From Week 5 on, LeSean McCoy andJamaal Charles were the only running backs to average more than Lacy's 86.7 yards per game.

Philip Rivers and Ryan Mathews did the heavy lifting for the Chargers. Lacy carried Green Bay's offense for a crucial seven-game stretch when Aaron Rodgers was sidelined, emerging as the Packers' most valuable player.

More impressively, Lacy saved the season while toughing out an ankle injury and facing stacked boxes without Rodgers' rifle arm to keep defenses honest.

A throwback to the days of bruising, three-down bell cows, Lacy consistently got more than what was blocked. He finished near the top of the list in yards after contact and forced missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.

This award is a fitting tribute to a player who not only broke John Brockington's long-standing franchise record for rookie rushing yards, but also turned a weakness into a strength for the Packers.

With Lacy checking chins in the backfield, coach Mike McCarthy has good reason to believe his offense can be special in 2014.

Source:NFL

Chargers' Philip Rivers is Comeback Player of the Year

 San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was announced as the 2013 Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year at Saturday's "NFL Honors."

Comeback Player of the Year voting
Player	Position	No. of votes
Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers	QB	13
Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos	RB	8
Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles	OT	8
Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers	S	6
Brent Grimes, Miami Dolphins	CB	3
Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs	QB	2
Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers	LB	2
Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins	WR	2
Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns	WR	2
Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens	LB	2
Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys	LB	1
LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles	RB	1

Due to the nebulous nature of the award, it's tough to question the selection.

If coming back from poor play and a lack of surrounding talent was placed on an even plane with returning from an injury (Fred Jackson, Darrelle Revis, Brent Grimes), a benching (Alex Smith) or obscurity (Knowshon Moreno), then Rivers is the easy choice.

Since running back Ryan Mathews and tight end Antonio Gates also enjoyed fine bounce-back seasons, the award also can be viewed as a tribute to the entire Chargers offense under new coach Mike McCoy and coordinatorKen Whisenhunt.

Playing behind a patchwork offensive line in a system which had grown stale, Rivers authored a whopping 47 turnovers while taking 79 sacks from 2011 to 2012. Whisenhunt boldly predicted in May that his quarterback wouldreturn to Pro Bowl form, and that's exactly what happened during a career renaissance.

In his estimable Quarterback Index series, Gregg Rosenthal has ranked Rivers among the NFL's top three quarterbacks since September.

Essentially Peyton Manning Lite, Rivers diagnosed the defense's intentions before the snap, torched blitzes and tossed accurate passes all over the field in an offense that was suddenly fun to watch again.

Rivers entered the 2013 season in prove-it mode, at the crossroads of his Chargers career. He finished it by reclaiming his status as one of the top half-dozen quarterbacks in the league.

Source:NFL.com