After an underperforming 2019 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts made a change at the quarterback position. Jacoby Brissett is headed back to the bench and Philip Rivers was signed to a one-year deal to start.
The 2019 NFL season was a disappointing one for not just the Colts, but also for long-time Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Rivers. He was nearly benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor and finished completing 390-of-591 (66.0%) passes for 4,615 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
According to Mike Sando of The Athletic, there was a defensive coordinator that described Rivers as being a ‘low-end three, borderline four’ and is near the end of his career. However, a GM thinks otherwise and anticipates a big season from the new Colts quarterback.
“I think he has a chance to be pretty good in Indy in the dome with a good line, because he can still throw when he has time,” a GM countered. “I think a lot was weighing on him last year and the team moved and the writing was on the wall they were going in a different direction. I would be surprised if this year he doesn’t come back and say, ‘Don’t write me off yet, I can still do this.’ ”
The personnel is in place for Rivers to thrive. The Colts have an elite offensive line led by Quenton Nelson, who is one of the NFL’s best plays, in general. The Chargers had one of the worst pass protecting offensive lines in the league last season, making it difficult for the not-so-mobile Rivers to operate.
The Colts also have T.Y. Hilton as a No. 1 target along with a couple of intriguing receiver prospects like Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell. The backfield also features an intriguing one-two punch with Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor.
The coaching staff the Colts have is one of the better in the NFL and is one Philip Rivers is widely familiar with. Both head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni coached Rivers back during his time with the Chargers.
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