Soon, the shock of the Indianapolis Colts signing Philip Rivers to help save the season will wane. Football games will be played, and Rivers will either play or not. The team could start Riley Leonard at quarterback, though indications are that the recently retired QB will start.
Rivers was first in the quarterback rotation during his first practice with the team after being signed to the practice squad ahead of Week 15. Previous starter Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon in Week 14, and Indy was forced to do nearly anything to try to salvage a 7-1 start to the season.
Philip Rivers, the 44-year-old quarterback who hasn't played since 2020 and has recently been coaching high school football, was the answer. For Colts fans, the hope is that the Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist will save Christmas, too.
Indianapolis Colts' Lou Anarumo speaks the obvious truth about Philip Rivers
Still, no one doubts that the quarterback was once great, and, at least mentally, can potentially put Indianapolis in a position to win games it might not otherwise win. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo obviously believes that, and that belief is based on the DC facing Rivers six times in previous stops in Anarumo's career.
The defensive coordinator was asked by the media about facing Rivers and how he might help Indy now, and he said, "He's on the Hall of Fame ballot, is he not? So, that says all you need to hear. But just a super, super competitive guy, can make all the throws. So yeah, he was more than a headache, I'll tell you that."
Of course, Colts fans likely already knew that Rivers was once an elite player and a headache for opposing coaches. Fans also know that the quarterback is a highly competitive player.
What the team and fans cannot know is how in shape Rivers is and how strong his arm is. If he cannot push the ball down the field to targets such as Alec Pierce, fast NFL defenses will quickly adjust, stack the box, and be in an even better position to slow down running back Jonathan Taylor.
The positive aspect is that Philip Rivers is a smart player who, assuming he plays, will recognize the need to get the ball out of his hands quickly. Indianapolis might not be explosive, but it could eat the play clock with a mix of short throws and a heavy dose of Taylor.
The Indianapolis Colts are on a slide that has seen them lose four of five games, even with Daniel Jones behind center. Indy could still make the playoffs, but not if it doesn't win games, of course. While the Colts offense might not put up 30 points with Rivers or Riley Leonard, even winning 16-13 by playing turnover-free offense counts.