Philip Rivers proved to be a vibrant touch-player on the field. He carried the Indianapolis Colts with accuracy and purpose, despite their close loss. The new Colt QB was signed to the Colts’ practice squad just three days earlier. He followed through on an impeccable game plan geared towards winning but still lost out to their opponent. Rivers handled that challenging week with poise and grace, and it was a magnificent performance. He touched down in Indianapolis on Monday, and or at least on their end, promptly found his groove.
In the contest, Rivers was 18 of 27 passing for 120 yards and a passing TD. Unfortunately, he had a game-ending desperate drive interception. He further quieted critics by leading the Colts to a 10-point first-half lead, starting with an opening drive 8-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs. His first interception was on a last ditch attempt when time was expiring.
Even in defeat, Rivers showed enough of the arsenal that the Colts were looking for. He made the right decisions all game. Through smart hand adjustments to protections and blitz pickups, he allowed his O-line a tactical advantage. This performance comes after Rivers had practiced for the first time on Wednesday, following his signing with the practice squad on Tuesday.
Head coach Shane Steichen had a winning outcome for the Colts in mind, having the scorecard with a 20-17 final quarter and prepared before the game. He admitted that the one thing they failed at was building that momentum.
“We didn’t manage enough points in the second half.” – Shane Steichen
Rivers had some tough moments throughout the game, not least of which was a bad shotgun snap that caused him to need to kill the play.
“The bobbled snap deal didn’t feel great.” – Philip Rivers
Rivers played on, overcoming this adversity and continuing to be the leader the Colts needed, as Rivers looked physically unaffected after the game. He is excited for what lies ahead—for him and his team. He says the best is yet to come, in more ways than one.
Rivers’ track record of finding ways to win while the tension is hottest runs deep. In 1999, he was a finalist for the top 10 winners in explanatory journalism at the national contest of the Associated Press Sports Editors. In 2015, he won first place for column writing at the Indiana Associated Press Media Editors contest. This background speaks to his intense analytical mind, which he brought to bear during every game on the field.
As the Colts look forward, they have three critical games remaining in the regular season against formidable opponents: the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. Each game presents an opportunity for Rivers to further establish his place within the team and build chemistry with his teammates.
Beyond his statistical output, it was Rivers’ ability as a leader that made him so impressive. His teammate Zaire Franklin explained the special adrenaline rush that accompanies NFL competition.
“As NFL players, we all play long enough to become an adrenaline junkie.” – Zaire Franklin
Rivers offered a glimpse into his rare approach to the game, illustrating his love of football while recognizing its dangers.
“I’ve never minded that part of it.” – Philip Rivers
While Rivers is still acclimating to his new role with the Colts, as the team prepare for their greatest tests before and during the 2024 political games, his experience and cool head will be needed. He is just two short of 36 career comebacks. This success is the wind in his sails as he’s taking the team – and this new approach – forward.
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