You can’t help but admire Colts QB Philip Rivers’ response to the criticism he received after his forgettable performance in Week 5.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers’ haters had a field day (or week) following his shambolic showing in Week 5 against Cleveland when he threw two interceptions, committed a boneheaded safety and missed a number of key throws.
It wasn’t at all hyperbolic to say he was solely responsibly for the team’s loss, and the subsequent conversation among media members brought into question whether signing him for $25 million back in March over other free agents was the right move.
Well, fast forward to Sunday, and Rivers turned back the clock with a vintage performance in a thrilling comeback victory over Cincinnati. For the game, the veteran quarterback finished 29-of-44 (65.9%) for a season-high in yards (371) and touchdowns (three). To put it simply, the Colts don’t come anywhere close to pulling out the win without him, and he deserves just as much praise as the slander he received leading up to Week 6 on the heels of last Sunday’s horror show.
Why do we say that? Because Rivers admitted in the postgame conference that he went out of his way to read all of the criticism. The eight-time Pro Bowler was adamant in claiming he didn’t do it for motivation, but understands that it’s a part of life as a professional athlete.
Philip Rivers couldn't help himself this week — he wanted to know what everyone was writing about him. Gotta give him credit: Not many QBs would admit this.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 18, 2020
"You stink it up, they better write 'Rivers better get with it!' ... and I felt like you guys were pretty dang honest." pic.twitter.com/COQOqeozRA
Given that Rivers signed with the Colts just as the sports world was shut down and the country was ordered to quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak, he’s been restricted to virtual press conferences. He hasn’t had the chance to personally connect with any Indianapolis media members yet.
During his 16-year run with the Chargers, Rivers probably had a feel for what he was in for in terms of being berated by the local media after a poor performance, since he had a personal relationship with most of them. The fact that the 38-year-old quarterback read everybody’s criticism because of sheer curiosity proves why he’s so respected around the NFL.
Most players, especially quarterbacks, generally assert that they don’t pay attention to the noise or what folks are writing about them, and couldn’t care less if it was positive or negative. Rivers having the guts to admit that he did is extremely admirable, and really speaks to why he’s been so successful in his career.
On this Sunday, Philip Rivers can go middle finger to the critics:https://t.co/2B0HAIKpZs
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 19, 2020
We obviously still have our concerns about Rivers, but it’s nice to know that he’s more than capable of snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat. The genuine and professional manner in which he handles himself in front of the microphone is just icing on the cake.
It feels good to feel good about your team’s quarterback, and Colts fans should have nothing but positive things to say about Rivers this week.
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