DALLAS _ The Los Angeles Chargers' Philip Rivers shuffled his feet like he was Muhammad Ali after hitting Hunter Henry for a score _ though on the doorstep of 36 years old, Rivers floats more like a rhinoceros than a butterfly.
But throwing a touchdown pass on this day, during this game, on this stage _ his body flowed with athleticism and agility that isn't usually there.
It was fun. It was special. And he was about to experience it a couple more times.
Playing in his first true showcase game since the 2013 playoffs, Rivers reminded people in the seats, on the sidelines and in their homes, guts stuffed full of turkey, that he's still got it.
Playing unopposed on Thanksgiving Day against the Cowboys in Dallas, Rivers played one of the best games of his career, leading the Chargers to a 28-6 win and thrusting them squarely back into the playoff race.
The team is just half a game out of the final wild-card spot in the AFC, trailing 5-5 Baltimore and Buffalo.
Rivers threw for 434 yards and three scores, completing 27 of 33 passes while the Chargers' defense dominated, forcing two turnovers and scoring its third touchdown in the last two games.
Rivers' favorite target, Keenan Allen, caught 11 passes for a career-high 172 yards.
