Indianapolis Colts could be AFC darkhorse behind Philip Rivers
What is your opinion of Philip Rivers? Whatever the answer to the question is likely your opinion of how the Indianapolis Colts will fare in 2020.
After signing the veteran quarterback to a one-year, $25 million deal following 16 campaigns as a member of the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, the Indianapolis Colts are banking on a rebound from Rivers’ worst season to date. In 2019, the talented Chargers won only five games as Rivers tossed 23 touchdowns against 20 interceptions, the latter ranking better than only Jameis Winston and Baker Mayfield among qualifying players.
Still, at 38 years old, there’s reason to believe Rivers can be better in Indianapolis.
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For starters, he has an elite coaching staff surrounding him, and one who is familiar with his game. Head coach Frank Reich served as offensive coordinator in San Diego, while Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni was the quarterbacks coach with the Chargers.
Furthermore, Rivers is going from on of the league’s worst offensive lines to one of its best. The Colts can block with anybody, a line anchored by tackles Braden Smith and Anthony Castonzo, and All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.
With a group around him better built to support his aging, immobile frame, the former N.C. State star figures to have improved numbers. And while Rivers is only on a one-year deal, Reich talked Monday to local reporters about the possibility of Rivers playing in blue and white for multiple seasons. Per ESPN:
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“The spirit of [negotiations] was, we’re in this together and as long as Philip wants to play, wants to be here,” Reich said Monday. “It’s the NFL, we know he has to prove it. We have to prove it as a team to keep him wanting to play. I can just tell you from the previous relationship [with the Chargers], I really believe it’s Philip’s intent to play multiple years. I personally believe he’s more than capable of multiple years.”
In the AFC South, there’s little reason for Indianapolis not to contend. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a full-scale rebuild, the Tennessee Titans are pinning their hopes on Ryan Tannehill and the Houston Texans just finished trading DeAndre Hopkins for David Johnson, and still employ head coach Bill O’Brien.
If Rivers has another year or two in his right arm, it could be a nice ending to a fine career for him, perhaps even leading in a magical ride for the Colts in the soft underbelly of the AFC.
