The Indianapolis Colts have an optimistic view entering the 2020 season and much of it will revolve around the arm of their new quarterback in 38-year-old Philip Rivers.
The Colts are hoping Rivers can bounce back and return to his 2018 form after a down year in 2019 that included 20 interceptions. There is a lot riding on the performance of Rivers in 2020, especially given how strong the depth is at most parts of the roster.
It will be up to Rivers mostly to take advantage of the opportunity he has with the Colts. In predicting the MVP for each team in the AFC, Rivers was the choice for Dan Hanzus of NFL.com.
If I were a bolder man, I’d go with Quenton Nelson, the Patrick Mahomes of guards. But instead, I’ll retreat and go with Rivers … a safer pick that’s still not all that safe! For all the positivity around Rivers after his decision to sign with the Colts — and it’s been a veritable waterfall of optimism around the 38-year-old passer — the football cognoscenti might have put too much of his 2019 struggles (which included 20 interceptions and 28 turnovers overall) on the Chargers and their shoddy offensive line. Having Nelson and friends protecting him should do wonders for Rivers (that’s why he’s my choice here), but I’m not eliminating the possibility that the modern-day Rivers is also a quarterback who will struggle with ball security.
The passing offense for the Colts was one of the worst in the NFL in 2019 with Jacoby Brissett under center. With Rivers likely being an upgrade and with the additions made to the backfield and wide receiver room, the veteran should be in a position to make a comeback.
If he can turn back the clock just a few years and give the Colts some quintessential Rivers, there’s a chance he turns into the team’s MVP for the 2020 season.
