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Stephen Holder
INDIANAPOLIS — Prior to signing Philip Rivers to address their quarterback dilemma, coach Shane Steichen brought in a selection of veteran players to gauge their feelings about the move.
«Coach pulled some of us into his office and mentioned he was considering bringing Phillip in,» tight end Mo Alie-Cox disclosed days later. «It was surprising yet thrilling since many of us have had successful experiences with him before. … It wasn’t finalized yet, but it eventually turned into a done deal.
«I’m sure you all have spoken to Philip before. He enters a room, and the excitement, the energy, everything just escalates to a whole new level. So the vibe from Monday has certainly intensified. We’re uncertain about what’s next, but that’s precisely why we play the game.»
Seattle Seahawks. The Colts’ offensive performance was far from explosive, achieving a season-low 215 total yards. However, Rivers completed 18 of 27 passes and managed to avoid turnovers until a last-minute interception as time ran out.
Yet, it wasn’t a flawless effort. Rivers’ 4.4 yards per pass attempt was one of the lowest of his lengthy career (245 games), and the Colts’ longest play from scrimmage was just a 17-yard completion to tight end Tyler Warren during the second quarter.
Now sitting in an even tougher position regarding their playoff aspirations, the Colts (8-6) are eighth in the AFC standings, battling for one of the seven postseason spots.
Rivers is set to make another start in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers on «Monday Night Football,» according to Steichen, with that decision facing no criticism.
«He provided us with a chance,» running back Jonathan Taylor stated about Rivers’ debut. «We need to make more plays to assist him. In the given circumstances, we still had an opportunity. I mean, right at the end. So, how do we make those one or two plays to clinch this and finish on the winning side?»
Zaire Franklin characterized Rivers as «someone who is going out there, eager to compete, ready to fight.» He continued, «He performed well for us. I think we just need to elevate our defensive performance.»
One aspect under review during Rivers’ upcoming game is whether the Colts can display more offensive explosiveness. Winning with the conservative strategy they employed in Seattle seems challenging. However, players and coaches assert that this approach was deliberate, considering Rivers’ situation and a formidable Seahawks defense that had not allowed a touchdown in its previous two games.
«That was the plan,» Steichen remarked. «We aimed to run the ball, control the clock, and secure easy completions. I believe we executed that plan effectively.»
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He added, «I think he performed exceptionally well. Naturally, playing on the road in a challenging environment, after a long absence, he did what was necessary to position us for success in that game.»
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter hinted that a different strategy might be in play moving forward.
«I believe each week will present a unique challenge,» he noted.
One constant, however, seems to be the respect from Rivers’ teammates. His capacity to maintain composure in the pocket amid a pass rush — despite not having been hit in five years — stood out to them. The Seahawks managed four quarterback hits and a sack during the match, yet Rivers appeared to brush off each impact.
«His resolve, his enthusiasm, and intensity were fantastic to witness,» cornerback Kenny Moore II commented. «And just him putting his body on the line, he doesn’t need to do that. I’m sure every guy in the locker room truly appreciates it.»
