The Indianapolis Colts made a big splash when they signed quarterback Philip Rivers to a one-year, 25 million dollar deal.
The 38-year-old veteran is coming off a career-long stint with the Chargers where he put together a potential Hall of Fame resume.
As he prepares to join his new team, the new jersey is not the only change that he will have to adjust to.
The multitude of changes surrounding Rivers is leading many to pose questions about his future in Indianapolis.
Here are a few that are prevalent:
1. Will Philip Rivers be able to throw for over 4,000 yards?
Rivers has topped the 4,000-yard mark eleven times in his career.
Philip Rivers career stats. 3x in his career he has thrown 20 or more interceptions. The following season he lowered the interceptions. He’s also thrown for more than 4000 yards in a season 11x. He will move the chains in this offense. Something Brissett had trouble doing. pic.twitter.com/mgNmbLHN2N
— Mike T (@ktowntex) March 17, 2020
Rivers is sixth on the NFL’s all-time passing yards list and is coming off a very disappointing season with the Chargers.
He was also the victim of a subpar offensive line.
However, even in this down year, Rivers threw from 4,615 yards and completed 66 percent of his passes.
Compare that will Brissett’s numbers of completing 60.9 percent of his passes and it looks like an obvious upgrade.
At age 38, it’s fair to wonder how much good football Rivers has left in him.
Can he throw for 4000+yards in 2020?
Time will tell.
2. Who will he target without a pass-catching running back?
It is no secret that a large part of Rivers passing success came from the use of his running backs on the Chargers.
Austin Ekler had a breakout season as he hauled in 92 receptions.
That is more than the three Colts running backs who were targeted in total last year.
You could make the argument and say that Nyheim Hynes is the receiving back on the roster.
The issue is that he may not be utilized enough.
Hynes had only 44 receptions last season which was eleven less than Melvin Gordon who was primarily the rushing back of the Chargers.
While Rivers will have two solid targets in T.Y. Hilton and Jack Doyle, there is not much help behind them.
Currently, they lack a real threat at the number two wide receiver slot.
If the Colts want Rivers to sustain his success, they’ll need to integrate Marlon Mack into the passing game.
3. Will the Turnovers follow him to Indy?
Last season Rivers threw nearly as many interceptions as he did touchdowns.
Rivers totaled 20 interceptions, which was the second-highest mark of his career.
2019 Interception leaders 📉
1. Jameis Winston 30
2. Baker Mayfield 21
3. Philip Rivers 20 pic.twitter.com/fgwiJY8LIg— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) January 23, 2020
He also had eight fumbles in 2019.
Though much of his turnovers could be the fault of his offensive line which allowed 34 sacks last year.
With Quenton Nelson leading the Colts line, Rivers should be better protected and more efficient.
Final Thoughts
All of these questions will soon be answered when the 2020 season arrives.
Fans should be excited about what Rivers can bring to the Colts as when at his best, he is a borderline Hall of Famer.
If the Colts can surround him with the right pieces and scheme around him effectively, we should see vintage Rivers.
NEXT: 3 Reasons The Colts Should Have A Top Defense In 2020