The Indianapolis Colts decided it was time for a change at quarterback after the mediocre performance by Jacoby Brissett last season.
Often times, Brissett would take the safer shorter routes which in the long run would hurt the Colts offense.
This offseason, the Colts decided to shake it up and sign quarterback Philip Rivers who loves throwing the deep ball.
The 38-year-old quarterback struggled last season, but is hopeful for a bounce back year.
Unfortunately, Rivers is ranked as the third worst quarterback at deep balls, according to Doug Farrar.
What Happened to Rivers Last Season?
The 16-year veteran is usually reliable most seasons, but the 2019 season was a rough year for Rivers.
He finished with 4,615 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions through 16 games last season.
After the season, both the Los Angeles Chargers and Rivers decided to mutually part ways.
Philip Rivers officially signs with the Colts 🐴 pic.twitter.com/L7syISZmW1
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 17, 2020
The Colts gave Rivers a one-year deal worth $25 million over the offseason.
The hope is that Rivers will be able to successfully throw downfield and create more opportunities on offense.
Last season, Rivers completed just 34.2% of his deep throw attempts, which resulted in a 59.1 passer rating.
He led the league with six interceptions during the last two minutes of his games in 2019.
His 20 interceptions on the year was the third-most by any quarterback last season.
The 2019 season was not kind to Rivers, but there is hope that he can turn it around.
Will Rivers Turn it Around in Indy?
The good news is, every time Rivers has a down year it seems like he comes back stronger the next season.
Hopefully being in a new system with different teammates will help Rivers bounce back in 2020.
He is reunited with Colts head coach Frank Reich who coached Rivers from 2013-2015.
The two of them already have a chemistry together, so hopefully that will benefit Rivers.
Another aspect that should help Rivers is the fact that the Colts have one of the best offensive lines in the league.
The Chargers suffered last season partly because of their below average offensive line.
Rivers was sacked 34 times in 2019, which was the most since the 2016 season.
The Colts outstanding offensive line should be an enormous benefit to Rivers next season.
What Should Fans Expect From Rivers?
The eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback has thrown over 4,000 passing yards per season every year since the 2013 season.
He will benefit from having an elite offensive line, a two-headed monster at running back, and hopefully a dynamic duo at wide receiver.
With the 34th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select…
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC pic.twitter.com/5Q81LwvEEE
— PFF (@PFF) April 24, 2020
The Colts selected USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. during the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He will give Indy a big bodied receiver who can catch 50-50 balls, and runs route extremely well.
Having Pittman and a healthy T.Y. Hilton is going to be important to the success of Rivers next season.
Rivers has lost some strength over the years, but he is always going to love throwing the deep ball.
The Colts have the ideal system around Rivers, so that he can succeed.
Colts fans shouldn’t expect an MVP year from Rivers, but he should be able to bounce back next season.
NEXT: PFF Ranks Colts Wide Receiver Corps 22nd in the NFL
