Following the mutual departure between quarterback Philip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers, the veteran signal-caller was likely looking for a new spot with an improved offensive line. Enter the Indianapolis Colts.
With both sides showing interest throughout the offseason, one of the main selling points for Rivers joining his former offensive coordinator in Indy was the offensive line that has been built.
Both the continuity and talent accumulated made Rivers want to join the Colts even more.
“Yeah, I think the big part of Philip (Rivers) being here is Anthony Castonzo, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Braden Smith, Mark Glowinski. Those guys are our studs,” said offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni.
The Colts offensive line has turned into one of the best units in the NFL and has certainly become the engine of the offense. The group’s strength is the driving force behind the offense’s success.
Having that elite type of offensive line is what should translate to more consistent success for Rivers, who is coming off of a 2019 season that saw him throw 20 interceptions—tied for the second-most of his career.
“Yeah, once it was all signed up and Chris (Ballard) got all the work done. That’s something he kept mentioning after we signed him of how valuable those guys were to him,” said Sirianni of Rivers.
With Anthony Castonzo returning as the left tackle, Quenton Nelson emerging as arguably the best guard in the NFL, the Colts have arguably the best left side of the offensive line in the NFL.
Add in the above-average play of center Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith to go along with the serviceable performance of Mark Glowinski. Rivers made the right choice by choosing a team with a stout offensive line.
It will be interesting to see which Philip Rivers the Colts will get in 2020, but the offensive line should help him find success more times than not.
