SAN JOSE, Calif. -- San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers has taken some heat during his career for being emotional, and at times making comments, which have generated controversy.

But count the Pats’ Vince Wilfork as one who likes a little bit of fire with his team leader.

“I think he has a little swagger to himself, and you can’t blame him,” Wilfork said. “I like a quarterback like him. You see the Tom Bradys, Carson Palmers and Peyton Mannings and he’s like the total opposite. He’s getting pumped up like he’s an offensive (or) defensive lineman. He shows a lot of emotion out on the field. A lot of people see that and think different towards him, but for me, I like to see a guy pumped up because it shows he enjoys what he’s doing.”

Wilfork said New England’s Matt Cassel gets excited on the field as well, noting that the quarterback is continuing to improve.

Players practice six days for Sunday, Wilfork said, and deserve the chance to have a little fun when something good happens in a game.

-SHALISE MANZA YOUNG