Why did the Colts gamble on Philip Rivers ? ‘He can still sling it’

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Mentioned the comparison to George Blanda. Not impossible.

[str]

I am certainly rooting for the Colts. Always liked Rivers. I think that he gives them their best shot to rebound. That said, I grew up playing sports and getting in trouble in D.C. with Riley's grand dad on his dads side. Grand dad is a piece of work ! Lolol.
So I'm a big Colts fan with Rivers and Riley learning from him as well as Daniel Jones.

Hope it turns out great.

Did anybody see what Peyton said about Riley Leonard ?

Too big to copy and paste.
Go to Peyton’s Facebook page.

[Headsterx]

Is this old man starting on Sunday???

[stevenash]

He's not going to play on 4-5 days of preparation. They'll lose to Seattle with or without Rivers on the team. But the remaining 4 games, he'll be semi-ready and Riley could get healthy. Colts just could sneak into the playoffs and make history.

By the way... is there even a 0.1% chance ANDREW LUCK would consider coming back and play half a dozen games of football? We know you miss it CaptAndrewLuck

If Andrew Luck hadn't had that career-ending injury, he'd be #1 on my list of best QBs I ever saw, not named Brady or Montana.

Luck was drafted in 2011 (from Stanford, just like John Elway and Jim Plunkett) after the Colts laid another 2-14 turd.

He takes over from Curtis Painter and the pride of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the greatest football player to ever come out of UConn, Dan Orlovsky, and proceeds to go 11-5 for three consecutive years, injuring his shoulder, and misses a season. Makes a one-year comeback in 2018 and proceeded to throw 39 TD passes on a shoulder that's hanging from a thread. Seriously, who does that?

Well, Nolan Ryan did that, but that's another sport and another story for another day.

Andrew Luck's career, and he did this after taking over a world-class, crappy team.

[ChuckyTheGoat]

(15:00) This guy likes the Colts. He referenced the line-change based on QB.

Here's my two-cents on this:
1) Rivers' return is a nice story. Tribute to great player FROM THE PAST.
...NFL is un-forgiving. I agree w/ the theme of these defenses humbling shaky QB play.

2) Game to compare this week = Jets at JAX.
...Taylor was injured last week, and Cook had to come in. Dud showing by Jets.
...In case of Cook, at least he has young legs and ability to take reps this week.

People can play these games as they see fit. I'm passing on Colts, but playing Jets +13.
...Good Luck to anyone in action this week!

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Gave em a chance to win. Myers come up big.

[packerd_00]

How did the Seahawks not clobber Rivers. The guy was retired for 5 years.

It really does seem like a fiddle to me. You gotta wonder how many people were on the Seahawks in this one.

[ChuckyTheGoat]

How did the Seahawks not clobber Rivers. The guy was retired for 5 years.

It really does seem like a fiddle to me. You gotta wonder how many people were on the Seahawks in this one.

Rivers didn't have a big game. I think there's some issue on Darnold slowing down. Carrying an injury?

[pavyracer]

How did the Seahawks not clobber Rivers. The guy was retired for 5 years.

It really does seem like a fiddle to me. You gotta wonder how many people were on the Seahawks in this one.

I think they were looking ahead to the Rams on Thursday trying not to get hurt or exert too much energy.

[ChuckyTheGoat]

How did the Seahawks not clobber Rivers. The guy was retired for 5 years.

It really does seem like a fiddle to me. You gotta wonder how many people were on the Seahawks in this one.

Pack, I listened to the press conferences from Philip and Steichen:
1) We need to give these guys some credit.
2) How many of us laughed at this idea? Many of us thought it was impossible.
3) Colts were running out of options. This may have felt like a Hail Mary.
4) Some value to Rivers returning to a system that he knew. Steichen mentioned that he did check-down 2x.
5) Really looked like they got the winner on the long Grupe FG. This league is un-forgiving. Myers comes up huge a few seconds later.

[Igor_1965]

In hindsight +14 was the easiest money you will have made this NFL season

[ChuckyTheGoat]

In hindsight +14 was the easiest money you will have made this NFL season

Sure. If you had Monday's newspaper 24 hours ago.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

How did the Seahawks not clobber Rivers. The guy was retired for 5 years.

It really does seem like a fiddle to me. You gotta wonder how many people were on the Seahawks in this one.

Just because a team wants to do something or impose their will in a certain way, does not mean they will be successful doing so.

The gameplan with Rivers in there looked quite clear to me. They wanted to heavily run the ball and play ball control and limit the amount of times putting him at risk in obvious passing situations. Rivers did them a favor so the least they could all do is step up their games and do everything to keep him safe back there. His football IQ and experience gave them a real shot at winning the game and it is a shame they did not get the win.

I was rooting hard for Rivers and the Colts and Seattle hitting that long field goal in the waning seconds was a real gut punch. I will say it was probably the most interest I had in a single game in years(mostly hoping he would not get hurt and hoping to pull out the win).

[packerd_00]

Rivers didn't have a big game. I think there's some issue on Darnold slowing down. Carrying an injury?

Still though mate the guy was retired for five years. Just seems bizarre to me he was able to compete with guys that are fresh and active every week.

[packerd_00]

I think they were looking ahead to the Rams on Thursday trying not to get hurt or exert too much energy.

Perhaps mate. It's an odd one I will say. I personally stayed away from it.

[packerd_00]

Pack, I listened to the press conferences from Philip and Steichen:
1) We need to give these guys some credit.
2) How many of us laughed at this idea? Many of us thought it was impossible.
3) Colts were running out of options. This may have felt like a Hail Mary.
4) Some value to Rivers returning to a system that he knew. Steichen mentioned that he did check-down 2x.
5) Really looked like they got the winner on the long Grupe FG. This league is un-forgiving. Myers comes up huge a few seconds later.

I think most did. Its pretty alarming they needed to do this in the first place. Speaks to how thin the talent pool is.

You could see his arm was giving out a bit in the second half. Mostly short passing and hand offs.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

I think most did. Its pretty alarming they needed to do this in the first place. Speaks to how thin the talent pool is.

His arm was giving out a bit in the second half. Mostly short passing and hand offs.

His arm is shot as far as driving the ball with some giddyup...it was almost shot by the time he retired 5 years ago. However, his football IQ and smarts allowed them to be competitive as well as the uber conservative game plan. He can still read defenses but can only really throw screens and check downs and not push the ball down the field like he used to.

They were that desperate that he seemed to be the best option for them to win yesterday given his familiarity with Steichen's playbook.

I'm just glad he did not get hurt and did not embarrass himself...I do think the more games that he plays, his lack of zip on the ball and ability to stretch the field will become a bigger obstacle. The defense really only has to defend a 10-20 yard area and not every blade of grass on the field. I'd love to just see him having fun, staying healthy and hopefully throwing a few more TD passes and maybe a couple of wins in any remaining games he plays in.

[ChuckyTheGoat]

I think most did. Its pretty alarming they needed to do this in the first place. Speaks to how thin the talent pool is.

You could see his arm was giving out a bit in the second half. Mostly short passing and hand offs.

Good stuff, Pack. There's no way Rivers would have done it if not for being able to pick up the PACKAGE quickly.

He's not in NFL shape. Was just trying to help out his teammates.

[raiders72001]

Fantastic game by Rivers. He didn't turn the ball over except in desperation. His arm is shot but made up for it with timing and smarts. Not taking sacks is huge since they are drive killers. More than anything else, the whole team, including the defense was inspired by Rivers. Great game by all.

[packerd_00]

His arm is shot as far as driving the ball with some giddyup...it was almost shot by the time he retired 5 years ago. However, his football IQ and smarts allowed them to be competitive as well as the uber conservative game plan. He can still read defenses but can only really throw screens and check downs and not push the ball down the field like he used to.

They were that desperate that he seemed to be the best option for them to win yesterday given his familiarity with Steichen's playbook.

I'm just glad he did not get hurt and did not embarrass himself...I do think the more games that he plays, his lack of zip on the ball and ability to stretch the field will become a bigger obstacle. The defense really only has to defend a 10-20 yard area and not every blade of grass on the field. I'd love to just see him having fun, staying healthy and hopefully throwing a few more TD passes and maybe a couple of wins in any remaining games he plays in.

I agree with that. The IQ and familiarity are obviously still there, but physically it’s just not the same guy anymore. I don’t like the idea of them pushing their luck with Rivers, especially with his arm being what it is now. Just quit while you're ahead.

[packerd_00]

Good stuff, Pack. There's no way Rivers would have done it if not for being able to pick up the PACKAGE quickly.

He's not in NFL shape. Was just trying to help out his teammates.

I think the Colts are pushing their luck now. Alright he had a magical performance returning from five years of retirement and almost coming away with a win. Expecting him to do that for three more games is being selfish in my opinion.

[ChuckyTheGoat]

I think the Colts are pushing their luck now. Alright he had a magical performance returning from five years of retirement and almost coming away with a win. Expecting him to do that for three more games is being selfish in my opinion.

Pack, I don't think they have many options. Can YOU throw a spiral? Get up to Indy on THUR, they'll try you out.

*I will give one asterisk. I think INDY will be rocking for the game vs Niners. Fans saw that Philip has heart, and they'll respond to it.

[2Sweeet]

I think the Colts are pushing their luck now. Alright he had a magical performance returning from five years of retirement and almost coming away with a win. Expecting him to do that for three more games is being selfish in my opinion.

I think they pushed there Luck when they took that "u fill in the blank' in the first round with the 4th pick 2 yrs ago. Next.

[ProSportsEdge]

i see Darnold props posted, but nothing on the Colts side. I'm guessing the coach has a pretty good idea who is going to start, but also he has a good reason not to share that information so he'll keep everyone guessing

Yeah, that’s exactly how it feels. If Darnold props are already up, the staff probably knows who’s starting on the Colts side too. There’s really no incentive for the coach to tip his hand early though. Keeping it vague gives them a small edge and keeps bettors guessing until closer to kickoff.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

He looked a lot better last night and threw the ball downfield more.

I'd really like to see him get into broadcasting or one of the Sunday NFL shows. He has that "every man" appeal kind of similar to Terry Bradshaw and is entertaining and knowledgeable. He would be a breath of fresh air and very good at it in my opinion.

[Vene1616]

He looked a lot better last night and threw the ball downfield more.

I'd really like to see him get into broadcasting or one of the Sunday NFL shows. He has that "every man" appeal kind of similar to Terry Bradshaw and is entertaining and knowledgeable. He would be a breath of fresh air and very good at it in my opinion.

The first (second?) play of the game was a 40+ yards pass attempt. Their offense played just fine. The problem was McCaffrey and Purdy putting on a masterclass. Playing like this, I don't think 49ers would lose to more than 1-2 teams in the whole NFL, let alone the Colts with Rivers.

Tough luck for Indianapolis. Would probably be a lot worse with Riley, and *maybe* a little bit better with the healthy Jones. Rivers gets another start, right?

Can't wait

[JAKEPEAVY21]

The first (second?) play of the game was a 40+ yards pass attempt. Their offense played just fine. The problem was McCaffrey and Purdy putting on a masterclass. Playing like this, I don't think 49ers would lose to more than 1-2 teams in the whole NFL, let alone the Colts with Rivers.

Tough luck for Indianapolis. Would probably be a lot worse with Riley, and *maybe* a little bit better with the healthy Jones. Rivers gets another start, right?

Can't wait

Absolutely and Rivers did play well enough to win the game last night if the defense showed up.

Rivers arm looked better last night than I gave him credit for after last game as well. I was always a fan of his and pleased with the mostly positive press he is getting and deservedly so after last night.

As far as him playing the last couple of games, I wonder if he will be out there when the Colts get eliminated from playoff contention? They might want to start Richardson or Leonard and get them a bit more experience for next year.

[stevenash]

He looked a lot better last night and threw the ball downfield more.

I'd really like to see him get into broadcasting or one of the Sunday NFL shows. He has that "every man" appeal kind of similar to Terry Bradshaw and is entertaining and knowledgeable. He would be a breath of fresh air and very good at it in my opinion.

Yeah, we watched the same game too.

Rivers had ring rust in his comeback game against the Seahawks, who have both the loudest buildings in the NFL and a stout defense.
I'm sure if Indy weren't in desperation mode to start an experienced QB Rivers, the front office and the coaching staff would have agreed to start the home game last night instead.

That's a mighty tall ask of a 44-year-old QB, with a five-year layoff to go up against the league's #2 scoring defense, and #8 overall defense.

Ally and I were both impressed with River's touch passes.
Ally grew up in an all-Boston sports town that lived and died with Brady and Bird.
I grew up in NJ. We lived and died with Marty Brodeur and LT.
The one constant is that we both rooted for Rivers; she was spoiled with Brady, and I wished we had drafted Rivers instead of Eli, but we love Rivers.

The best take of the game was when my wife said, "Look how much he aged in the past five years, that's what having ten rug rats will do to you."

[Vene1616]

Absolutely and Rivers did play well enough to win the game last night if the defense showed up.

Rivers arm looked better last night than I gave him credit for after last game as well. I was always a fan of his and pleased with the mostly positive press he is getting and deservedly so after last night.

As far as him playing the last couple of games, I wonder if he will be out there when the Colts get eliminated from playoff contention? They might want to start Richardson or Leonard and get them a bit more experience for next year.

Does the Texans win on Saturday eliminate the Colts?

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Does the Texans win on Saturday eliminate the Colts?

Not sure but hopefully we get at least one more game.

[pavyracer]

Don't think they gambled with Rivers. The need for a QB happened after trading deadline. And they needed someone that doesn't need to learn the playbook. When you are desperate you take extreme measures.

[Headsterx]

Colts were +6.5 yesterday and now +3.5!?! What’s up with Jaguars? Anyone injured?

[JAKEPEAVY21]

^^

Rivers is striking fear into the Jags

[RealGWarner]

Colts were +6.5 yesterday and now +3.5!?! What’s up with Jaguars? Anyone injured?

Colts 8-7 (Eliminated)

[RealGWarner]

On the offensive line, Robern Hainsy (groin) is questionnable, while Patrick Mekari (back) is out. Both players exited last week's game.

^^

This was the final injury report YESTERDAY, since then Hainsey has been downgraded to out. So no Center, and no RG for the Jags