On Wednesday, Frank Reich joined the Dan Patrick Show to discuss the Indianapolis Colts offseason and some other interesting football topics.
Frank Reich has brought a championship mentality to Indianapolis
For two seasons, Reich was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
He was an important part of the Super Bowl LII champion Eagles, and he discussed championship mentality to Dan Patrick:
“We are the best in the world, we are world champions. That’s a shield you wear the rest of your life. That’s worth more than anything to me – to look at your teammates and know we wanted to climb the top of this mountain, and it’s the hardest mountain to climb in sports, and we did it together.”
Is Adam Vinatieri returning in 2020?
Adam Vinatieri reportedly wants to return in 2020, but Reich does not know yet if Vinatieri is returning in 2020:
“I don’t know. He’s a unique guy and I love him.”
Is Andrew Luck returning in 2020?
Reich still has a strong relationship with Andrew Luck:
“We still talk even though he is still retired.”
However, Reich never thought about talking him out of retiring:
“The thought never even crossed my mind.”
Philip Rivers is ready for 2020
“We have all the respect in the world for him. He’s had an unbelievable career.”
Reich knows that Rivers is the quarterback for the Colts, and he commented on if Rivers could be with the team past 2020.
“It’s No. 1, how does he feel. He knows this – it’s No. 2, is how is he going to perform? We think he is going to play lights out.”
Reich is excited for Rivers in 2020 because he was the Chargers offensive coordinator:
“I know him very very well. I know his body movements, I know his arm strength. I know his arm motion, that unique arm motion that he has.”
Could Tom Brady have become Colt?
Reich said that Chris Ballard and the Colts did their due diligence:
“We looked at everybody. That’s our job.”
The Colts head coach said that the organization is excited by Jacoby Brissett‘s future, but Indianapolis went with the upgrade with Rivers:
“We thought Philip Rivers was the guy for us.”
Michael Pittman Jr. will make an impact
Reich commented on how impressive Michael Pittman Jr. will be even early on with the Colts:
“History and stats would tell you that it’s a little bit harder for receivers to have an impact early on.”
Overall, Reich and the team are enthused about how the Colts will be able to involve their rookie stars.
He then continued by discussing Pittman’s maturity:
“He’s got a physical and emotional maturity about him that we think he can come in and make a more immediate impact than most receivers do.”
Quenton Nelson is an impressive player
Offensive guard Quenton Nelson continues to impress Reich:
“His mentality is infectious. He’s a leader. He’s tough-minded. Who would’ve ever thought that we could be saying that about a guard? He’s really one of these generational players that we are very fortunate to have.”
Outlook for 2020 season
Heading into 2020, new Colt DeForest Buckner will be able to make an impact:
“I’m really excited about getting DeForest Buckner … and a young defense … I see a good football team in my mind right now.”
Reich thinks that the Colts organization is ready for everything:
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