Though he wasn’t a member of the Indianapolis Colts at the time, quarterback Philip Rivers enjoyed arguably the best season of his career in 2013 with the San Diego Chargers.
It was a spectacular year for the signal-caller. ESPN and Football Outsiders ranked it as the 10th-best season by a quarterback during the 2010s. Using their metric DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement), Rivers turned in one of the best seasons under center.
10. Philip Rivers, 2013 Chargers (1,793 DYAR)
Rivers’ finest year by DVOA and QBR was 2009, but this was the year he set career highs in both DYAR and completion rate (69.5%). He threw for 280 yards per game (8.2 yards per attempt) with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rivers added 8.0 yards per attempt in two playoff games but the Chargers fell to the Broncos 24-17 in the divisional round. Rivers’ main receivers were Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates, and Danny Woodhead.
What is an interesting nugget about that 2013 season is that Colts current head coach Frank Reich was the quarterbacks coach for Rivers during that campaign. This is when they began the relationship that led to a one-year deal being signed this offseason.
With how the Colts run their offense, it isn’t likely that Rivers returns exactly to that form. But it isn’t all that far-fetched to believe he can improve on his 2019 campaign that included 20 interceptions and a 3.9% touchdown rate.
How well Rivers can bounce back from 2019 will be a major factor in the success for the Colts, but they would be ecstatic if he can give anything close to his 2013 season.