Colts: Philip Rivers’ stats in Buffalo may surprise you
In looking to the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff game against the Bills in wintry Buffalo, here are two encouraging angles.
The Colts’ new Mr. December loves playing in Buffalo
Philip Rivers, for 16 years as a starter, has had consistently excellent Decembers.
Remember that this is Rivers’ first season with the Colts, and there was no regular offseason, so it’s no mystery why he continues to get better week to week. I watched Philip Rivers in person in sunny Buffalo in 2018. The Bills quarterback then was a gifted rookie — no, not Nathan Peterman! Josh Allen.
However, before the fourth quarter, the stands were emptying of famously faithful Bills fans. Rivers kept passing to a strong and fast rookie RB named Austin Ekeler, as well as RB Melvin Gordon. Two late TDs by the Bills in garbage time narrowed the gap to a more respectable 31-20. I said to disheartened Bills fans in a local restaurant, “The Bills have a promising quarterback.” Now everyone knows about Josh Allen.
Philip Rivers has played the Bills seven times. Rivers has won 6 out of 7.
The Bills lost to Rivers, in their Orchard Park home stadium, as recently as 2018 and 2014. In 2017, Rivers & Co. in their LA cantina presented an expensive bill to the Bills, 54-24 (Nathan Peterman put up five interceptions in the FIRST HALF, and was replaced by Tyrod Taylor).
I’m just saying that No. 17 really likes playing in Buffalo, despite the west coast/east coast difference. But the Bills don’t like playing Uncle Phil.
Winning the Saturday Showdown: Answering the “Big Ifs”
The Colts will beat the Bills!
…If…IF…they achieve any six of the following challenges:
* Spread the passing around, finishing with four or more receivers with 20 or more yards
* Jonathan Taylor hits 100+ Yards
* Win the turnover battle by 2 or more
* On third down conversions, hit 55% or better
* Nyheim Hines hits 60+ yards from scrimmage
* Big special teams plays, including flawless kicking by Blankenship
* Establish the short passing game.
* Pressure Josh Allen like he has not experienced this season.
* Rivers does not try to win the game on his own; he counts to three and throws.
* The secondary plays their best game in months
* Michael Pittman Jr. has a breakout game with 6+ receptions
* Tight ends are heavily involved in the passing game.
* The Colts post fewer penalties than the Bills.
* The Colts avoid the threat of COVID-19.
I will post the hits & misses results after the game, to see if the win or loss matches up with the above elements.
