Philip Rivers Comments on Unsuccessful Colts Return
It was always a long shot, but we can effectively say that the Indianapolis Colts' signing of Philip Rivers did not save their season. They were faced with dire circumstances and turned to the veteran. He could only do so much, though he did perform quite admirably. And now that it's just about over for Rivers, likely for good, he's able to reflect on what a ride this has been.
Philip Rivers doesn't regret anything
Playing football at 44 is hard for anyone except maybe Tom Brady. Playing after five years away from the sport, at 44, and not in NFL playing shape is even harder. It's borderline impossible. Philip Rivers kind of did it, though. At least, he performed much better than anyone expected.
The Colts have gone 0-3 with Rivers, and they got officially eliminated from the playoffs as a result. But if told ahead of time that the Colts wouldn't win with Rivers under center at all, the veteran QB still wouldn't change a thing.
After the latest loss, Rivers said via ESPN, "I told you guys I wasn't going to have any regrets about coming back and I don't. Other than us not winning ... it's been an absolute blast for three weeks. If I go back and say, 'All right, now you know everything's going to happen, what are you going to do?' I'd do it all again. It's been absolutely awesome. So, yeah, I mean, if it's the last one, it's the last one."
To Rivers' credit, he probably wasn't why they lost. In his first start, he led the Colts down for a go-ahead field goal with less than a minute remaining. In his second, he tossed two touchdowns and 277 yards. And in the third, the Colts lost to the red-hot Jacksonville Jaguars by a mere touchdown.
"I thought this is probably the worst game I've had of the three," the QB said. He was 17/30 for 147 yards against the Jags. "Just couldn't get in really any sync or rhythm."
What's next?
It may be over for Philip Rivers. The Colts know he's not the future. They have to determine who is, especially with Anthony Richardson looking like a potential bust and Daniel Jones being both a free agent and hurt for the foreseeable future.
That could leave Riley Leonard, who might start in Week 18. Now that there's nothing to play for, Rivers starting makes little sense unless they just want to honor the veteran for his work. But the future of the franchise is more important.
"I'm going to be on board and supportive of whatever the organization, (Steichen) and however that decision's going to come to be," Rivers said. "I'm sure I'll have some conversation. It won't just be a blindside Tuesday conversation from him." Based on all these comments, it does sound like Rivers is fully prepared not to play anymore.
The QB added about his eventual NFL fate, "I thought the last one was walking off the field in Buffalo or walking up that tunnel. And I was fine with that, and that one had tears those few days after. And I was at peace with that being the last one. So, certainly if it is (the last game) I got three bonus games that I never saw coming and couldn't be more thankful that I got an opportunity."
And in the immediate aftermath, Rivers is going back home. When the Colts' season is done, so in a week, he will be back on the sidelines coaching his high school team. "I'll be right back on the sideline (coaching)," he joked. "I'm sure many watching probably said that's probably where you belong."
