If Philip Rivers is right, the Colts are going to be a force
The Indianapolis Colts are betting big on Philip Rivers in 2020. Rivers believes he can make them look wise.
Rivers, 38, enjoyed 16 campaigns with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. He threw for 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns while making eight Pro Bowl squads and playing the 2007 AFC Championship Game on a torn ACL. A competitive Hall of Fame resume.
However, things went south in 2019. Rivers did rank sixth in the NFL with 4,615 passing yards but also accounted for 23 touchdowns against 20 interceptions. At season’s end, the Chargers decided to part ways, allowing Rivers to hit free agency for the first time. He signed quickly with the Colts for one year and $25 million.
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On Wednesday afternoon, Rivers spoke to reporters and confirmed he sees himself as more than capable heading into his 17th year, per ESPN.
“At times what may have aggravated me a little bit last year was [critics saying] that I couldn’t play anymore. When you heard that, it bothered me because I wanted to go, ‘Shoot, let’s go turn on the tape and watch all the good things.’ There were some bad plays. Certainly some throws I want back and certainly some very costly mistakes. I own up to all those. There was so much good and I had some throws last year that were probably as good as I’ve had my whole career. I knew. So I didn’t feel like I had to sell that to anyone. But at the same time, it did aggravate you little bit. I think it’s OK to be aware. I’m one of those guys that likes to be aware.”
If Rivers is right, the Colts are the favorite in the AFC South. Even a return to 2018 form would put Indianapolis in fantastic position (4,308 yards, 32 TDs, 12 INTs). The division is weak and the Colts have talent across the board. Rivers will be behind a terrific offensive line and have receivers T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell and Michel Pittman Jr. to target alongside tight end Jack Doyle and running backs Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor.
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The defense in Indianapolis remains a work in progress, but general manager Chris Ballard’s trade for Deforest Buckner along the front should pay immediate dividends. Factor in the signing of cornerback Xavier Rhodes — who is looking for a fresh start after two poor seasons in Minnesota — and there’s hope of improvement defensively as well.
In the AFC, the Colts could fill the void of a third-best team behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. While the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers are quality outfits, both have legitimate quarterback concerns for different reasons.
If Philip Rivers steps to the fore and turns back the clock for 2020, Indianapolis is capable of being a problem for all the aforementioned clubs.
