The 2020 NFL season has been a roller-coaster of a ride for the Indianapolis Colts.
Although they struggled on the ground and ranked 15th in rushing yards, there are upsides to the team.
The Colts land as the fifth top defense in the league with 15 interceptions and only 17 touchdowns allowed.
As a result, it is safe to say the Colts have kept it exciting this year for the Indianapolis fans.
However, the most surprising thing for the team this season may be the progress of quarterback Philip Rivers.
The time has come for the sports media world to embrace Philip Rivers as Indianapolis’ starting quarterback in 2021.
Proving His Worth on the Field
Philip’s trouncing of the Las Vegas Raiders in week 14 puts to rest any questions as to whom should be under center next season.
The 17-year veteran put on a clinic in week 14 posting 244 yards in the air, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
In addition, Rivers recorded an 85.9 quarterback rating, second only to his week three rating of 86.8 against the Jets.
With three weeks left, Philip is making a strong argument he belongs with the top ten quarterbacks in the league.
Among qualifying starters, the Pro-Bowl quarterback ranks ninth in yards per attempt and tenth in completion percentage.
In spite of a mediocre rushing game, Rivers led the team to fifth in scoring and ninth in yards per game.
The North Carolina State alum has also improved with not giving up the ball.
Philip has not had a multiple interception game since playing the Browns in week 5.
In the past eight games, Rivers continues to silence the nay-sayers with his consistent play.
He has connected 67.1 percent of the time for 16 TD’s and only four INT’s, resulting in six wins and two losses.
Philip Rivers in #Colts last eight games:
• 67.1 COMP%
• 16 TDs
• 4 INTs
• 6-2 recordRivers has been exactly what Indy needed at QB. pic.twitter.com/PgUN3IdBtL
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) December 14, 2020
At 39 years young, he is proving to the critics that the Colts made the right decision to sign him.
Rivers has been everything they’ve needed at the QB spot. https://t.co/Y4oMLcATRa
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 14, 2020
The team is currently tied for first place with the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South at 9-4.
Taking a Peek Into the Colts Future
With Philip and the Colts firing on all cylinders, one important question remains: Will the one-year fling blossom into lasting matrimony?
Rivers signed a one-year deal with Indy in March 2020, which means he has the option to test free agency at season’s end.
Furthermore, last year’s starter Jacoby Brissett will be free to shop his value at the end of this season also.
This leaves the dilemma that only rookie Husky alum Jacob Eason will be under contract going into next year.
When Rivers signed on in March 2020, he offered a glimpse into his thoughts on a long term contract:
“I’m taking it one year at a time…I think that’s the best way to do it at 38. I do feel good, I feel great. If I feel like I feel right now next year, then I’ll be excited to keep going. Again, depending on how the team feels about that and etc. So, I don’t know, I don’t have a number on it…But I am excited and feel like I can still help a football team go win a championship.”
So, with the ex-Charger showing he still has gas left in the tank, Philip is giving Indy much to consider.
Head coach Frank Reich stated in an interview:
“If he wants, he’s got multiple years of good football left in him. The way he’s playing right now…we said when we got him here, I said Philip is more than capable (of playing multiple seasons).”
Frank Reich is loving what he sees out of 39-year-old QB Philip Rivers: "At the way he’s playing right now…if he wants, he has multiple years of good football ahead of him."
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) December 14, 2020
Regarding his personal thoughts of Rivers’ future, Frank added:
“I can just tell you I really believe it’s Philip’s intent to play multiple years. I’m very optimistic it will be a multiple year thing.”
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