When bringing in a new quarterback, there can be some concerns about how quickly they can learn every nuance of the offensive system. For Indianapolis Colts and their new starter in Philip Rivers, that might not be a major issue.
Given the familiarity between Rivers and head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni, there is already a connection that should make the transition smooth.
Beyond that, Rivers isn’t expecting a whole lot of changes in the Colts’ offensive system from what he was running with the Chargers. In fact, Rivers is expecting to run the same offense he has since 2013—give or take a few variations.
“So I’m sure there are certainly some things that have changed. I look forward to learning those and getting a feel for those, but for the most part it is going to be almost the same system that we’ve ran since I’ve been in since ’13,” Rivers told reporters Saturday. “You call it a little differently. But I think having some same verbiage, having that familiarity – again, I have been in meeting rooms with Frank, Nick and Jason Michael. I have been in meeting rooms with those guys. We communicate the same way.”
Reich has the most experience working with Rivers. He was his quarterbacks coach in 2013 and then the offensive coordinator for two seasons in 2014–2015 for the Chargers.
Having the trust between the coaching staff and what Rivers likes to look for schematically will be a reason for optimism in terms of making the transition.
“They understand what I think and how I look for things. There is a good dynamic there from the way we communicate. I think that that is a positive and I do think there was a trust factor that was built in our time here in San Diego,” Rivers said. “I think that’s important as a play-caller and as Nick as the coordinator, Frank and Nick and all those guys – shoot, as they do it together. It’s important to have that trust – that Frank has called the plays before and we’ve made it work.”
The Colts are hoping the offense can be better than what it was in 2019, especially in the passing department. They were one of the league’s worst when it came to throwing the ball and while Rivers is no longer in his prime, the hope he is can bring some juice to a concerning area of the offense.
It will be interesting to see ho much of a difference Rivers will make, but being in the same offense since 2013 should make the transition easier.