Phil Simms Says Playoff Experience Is Overrated

A look at the AFC teams playing this weekend shows off some top-flight NFL QBs. McNair and Brady have started in the Super Bowl before, and Manning has now won his division four years in a row. Philip Rivers, on the other hand, is the new guy on the block - but the dude is no slouch. He is a Pro Bowler and the leader of the NFL's best team. He will likely have a superstar career like his AFC Playoff counterparts have had.

But there is no denying it, he does lack experience in the playoffs.

Hall of Fame Quarterback and excellent NFL analyst Phil Simms doesn't see that as a problem:

We always hear about this "playoff experience," and what a big factor it is. Well, maybe it is to some people, but not to me. I've been preparing my notes to call the New England-San Diego game on CBS this weekend, and I have written nothing about the importance of this being Rivers' first playoff game. It never crossed my mind.

Let's take a look at Rivers. He's a third-year player in the NFL, he took every offensive snap for the Chargers this season and he was a four-year starter in college who played in several big games during that time. He might have some jitters when the game starts, but that will go away quickly. He's not going to be out there thinking, "Wow, this is a playoff game, this is different."

I don't see experience being a factor the way it's talked about. If San Diego can block well and give Rivers time, then he'll have a solid game. And if Brady is pressured by San Diego's defense, then we'll hear all this stuff about the young guy doing better than the veteran. What will everyone say if that happens? "Rivers outdueled Brady."

Of course, if the Patriots win the game and they put a lot of pressure on Rivers -- what will they say? "Rivers can't react to the playoff pressure." I don't know about the playoff pressure, but I do know about the pressure of getting hit and hurried by the Patriots defense. And that is a factor no matter how much playoff experience you have.

Philip Rivers has played a ton of football, and while he is young, he is not immature. I don't see him being overwhelmed at all. He is a competitor and if anything, I think he prefers to play on a stage like this. Look for Rivers to have a nice game as long as the line can protect him. With all of his weapons, he should have no trouble finding an open playmaker.