Colts HC Frank Reich said all the right things about Philip Rivers on Wednesday.
Newly-minted Colts QB Philip Rivers is 38 years old, and has only known one NFL home. With a great degree of turnover on the hot seat in San Diego/Los Angeles over the years, we’d bet he’s learned how to coach himself as his career has progressed.
But when he’s done mentoring Jacoby Brissett and Jacob Eason and it’s time for him to accept a bit of instruction, head coach Frank Reich doesn’t think that’ll be a problem at all.
In fact, Rivers has bought all the way in, after only a few days at the team’s facility. Regardless of stature, that’s the best news we could’ve hoped for.
There's a lot that's new in this situation, but the #Colts don't think they have reinvent anything ... or anybody. https://t.co/sGYioEpWTk
— IndyStarSports (@IndyStarSports) July 29, 2020
Reich told gathered reporters on Wednesday about what he’s experienced while giving tweaks and tips to Rivers over the past few days, and the veteran QB seems more than ready to learn.
"“(He embraced change) because he’s a great player and a great teammate,” Reich said. “Just because this is Year 17, and he’s 38 years old, there are still ways he can physically get better. And he’s committed to doing that. But he also knows we’re committed, like we are to every other player on our team, to tailoring something very specific to him at 38 years old, 17 years into his career, what’s right for him to be the best version of himself when we line up against Jacksonville, hopefully, in Week 1.”"
Yes, Rivers can improve. And yes, a lot of that improvement will be tied to better protection, allowing him to air the ball out the way he likes to.
But some of it’s going to come simply from listening to Reich and soaking in his QB mentorship, something Rivers seems highly prepared to do.
Philip Rivers wore his Hickory shirt yesterday when he reported to the team.
— Ʊ Bring The Juice Ʊ (@BTJPod) July 28, 2020
If you aren’t familiar, Rivers' all-time favorite movie is Hoosiers.
"...it's ironic that it's ended up here in now my 17th season, and hopefully a few more that I'm gonna be a Colt." pic.twitter.com/QBC1jvmu3s
This may surprise fans and rivals alike, but Rivers clearly doesn’t see Indy as a one-year fit. To make that happen, he’ll have to maximize his strengths as he ages and form a lasting bond with his head man.
So far, so good, so humble.
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