Philip Rivers didn't pull any punches when asked about the benching of fellow 2004 draft-class member Eli Manning.

"I honestly thought it was pathetic," Rivers said . "He's been out there 210 straight games -- with no telling how many bumps and bruises and injuries -- for his team. He won two Super Bowl MVPs. And with the respect he's had in the locker room over the years, and really the respect he's gained throughout the league, you feel like the guy has earned the opportunity -- if they are in fact deciding to go another direction -- he's earned the opportunity to finish it off these last five weeks."

The Chargers made a draft-day trade that sent Manning to New York in return for Rivers and three other draft picks.