Philip Rivers Chats On ESPN.com

Philip Rivers: (12:50 PM ET ) I am here and ready for your questions. Let's get started.

BP (Omaha, NE): Philip,

What would you say will be the biggest challenge for the Pack as we prepare for Pittsburgh? Also for 2002?

Philip Rivers: (12:52 PM ET ) Trying to come out and play well after the four week layoff. It will be tough to be crisp and execute. They have a great defense so it will be a big challenge. They are hot on defense and like to cause problems. So the biggest challenge will be coming out and executing.

Kep Short (Charlotte, NC): Philip,

Thanks for working so hard for the pack and being such a leader on the field. I wanted to know what quarterbacks were/are your inspiration?

Phillip Rivers: (12:53 PM ET ) Growing up it was Joe Montana and Dan Marino. I loved to watch those guys play. In middle school I really liked to watch Danny Wuerffel. But right now my favorite guy is Peyton Manning because of his competitiveness. You can tell he hates to lose and plays hard. He has the characteristics I would love to have and hope to develop.

Shane (Tampa): Phillip, With the tremendous success you've enjoyed with the Pack thus far,how will next year's team performance factor into your decision to stay a final year or go pro? Good Luck, See you Thursday in Orlando. Go Pack.

Philip Rivers: (12:55 PM ET ) I answer that question by saying that it is something that is so far off, I am not really focused on it. I just hope it is a decision I have to make after next year. But I plan to stay four years and do the best I can.

dan (smithfield, nc): Congratulations on another fine season!!! I hope the toe is not giving you too many problems. How has the timing with the recievers been in practice since the layoff after the Maryland game. Good Luck and GO PACK!!!

Philip Rivers: (12:56 PM ET ) It has been good. We have had some tough practices because of the layoff. We try to simulate game speed, but it is hard because there is nothing like a game. It has gone real well and shouldn't be a problem in the game.

Tony Cook: What led you to choose NC State in the ACC over the many programs closer to home in the talented SEC, in particular Auburn and Alabama? Go Wolfpack!

Philip Rivers: (12:57 PM ET ) I get asked that a lot. I just felt like it was the right place for me, it felt like home. I thought it was a program on the rise and I would get a chance to play right away. So there were a lot of factors that went into my decision.

Ron, Myrtle Beach,SC: How do you feel about the offense match up against Pitt, and is your toe a 100 percent yet?

Philip Rivers: (12:58 PM ET ) I think our offense matches up pretty well with Pitt. Our coaches stress that you need to be the most prepared for the first game and a bowl game because of the time of perparation. You never know what they will throw at you.

As far as my toe, it is 100% and shouldn't hinder me at all.

Brian Johnston (Wisconsin): You've become a soild quarterback in the ACC. What do you feel is the biggest thing you and the team need to improve upon to get both yourself and the Wolfpack to the next level.

Philip Rivers: (12:59 PM ET ) We just have to keep pushing and not stay satisfied. If we want it, we have to work hard. We need to just keep getting better and work on the little things. For me, I also need to work on the little things like fundamentals, footwork, etc. If we can do that, I think that will put us over the top.

Landon Younce (Wilson): Now with the Tangerine Bowl, what aspect would you say you dread most about this upstart Pittsburgh team?

Philip Rivers: (1:00 PM ET ) We don't really fear any part of the defense. We respect them because they really fly to the ball and like to strip the ball. Their safety really likes to come hard, so we have to keep an eye on him because he is a play maker for their defense.

Rob S. (Raliegh): It has been a great two years Phillip. I have enjoyed watching this team from the stands every week. So far what has been your favorite moment on the football field here at North Carolina State? By the way Go Pack.

Philip Rivers: (1:02 PM ET ) It would have to be the Florida State game. It was the greatest feeling when we all got to run on the field as the clock ran out. It is a win we have to build on.

brian Columbia SC: Do you think the rest of the ACC is really catching up with Florida State or did they just have a really off year?

Philip Rivers: (1:02 PM ET ) It think it is really evening up -- look around the league -- anyone can win. That is the way it should be. But I do think they had a down year but I also think the league is getting better.

Philip Rivers: (1:04 PM ET ) That is all the time I have for now. Thanks for all the questions and the support. I appreciate it. I hope everyone will be watching us in the Tangerine Bowl (Thursday, Dec. 20 7:30 PM ESPN).

Take care.

North Carolina State University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos