Philip Rivers’ latest comments could change Colts’ QB plans for 2021
Colts QB Philip Rivers acknowledged Sunday could be his final NFL game.
As the weeks and months have progressed, many Indianapolis Colts fans have resigned to the fact that Philip Rivers could very well be the team’s quarterback in 2021. When you consider the likely options in free agency as well as those that could be available when Indy picks later in the first round, it’s clear that making a hasty move wouldn’t be smart.
Additionally, Rivers’ play has been pretty darn good over the last six or so weeks. He’s grasped the offense very well, developed a rapport with many receivers, and is clearly a valuable team leader.
However, his latest comments, though they sound precautionary, could change the Colts’ plans at quarterback for 2021. The 17-year veteran acknowledged Sunday could be his last game, though he hopes it’s not.
Is Philip Rivers gearing up for his last game? That's definitely a possibility, he admitted. https://t.co/YC1MITgY3k
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) December 31, 2020
"“It crossed my mind,” Rivers told Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star. “I go, ‘Shoot, if things don’t go the way you want this weekend, who knows what happens.’ I guess it’s probably healthy to have that thought because, shoot, you’re not guaranteed anything moving forward. But to think it could be the last game, the last game I ever play, certainly. I don’t intend it will be, I don’t hope that it is, but you have to acknowledge it is a possibility.”"
We guess this is something that’s worth bringing attention to. After all, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger were in the same draft class as Rivers back in 2004. Manning has retired and Big Ben surely looks like he’ll be in the same boat this offseason. Then again, Rivers has proven to be more durable and successful in his latter years than those two legends.
It has crossed Philip Rivers' mind that Sunday could not only be his last game as a Colt — but his last in the NFL. Will be his 240th consecutive start.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 30, 2020
"Certainly, I don't intend it to be (the last one), nor do I want it to be," he said.
But as we all know, for players who have reached the back end of their careers, there are always those offseason discussions with family in regard to the future. Remember, this is Rivers’ first new team after spending 16 years with the Chargers. Things could certainly be different with his situation in Indy.
If so, and this scenario changes, the Colts could be left scrambling for a quarterback. Perhaps the coaching staff is still confident in Jacob Eason’s development enough for him to start in 2021. Or maybe Indy makes a big play for Dak Prescott. They could also trade up in the draft to grab a guy like Justin Fields or Trey Lance.
There are possibilities, but they aren’t very likely, which is why Rivers’ latest comments have us thinking about what might happen.
