The Indianapolis Colts brought in veteran quarterback Philip Rivers hoping he can return to form and bring the team back to the playoffs, but they are also putting a lot of stock into his abilities as a leader.
After 16 years in the NFL, Rivers has seen just about all that can be seen for a quarterback. Though this is just the second team he’s played for since entering the league in 2004, the Colts are ecstatic with the leadership qualities Rivers possesses in meetings.
In fact, offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni feels it is like having another coach.
“Being 16 years in the NFL, that’s great leadership for everyone to see, so it’s been good for us as coaches,” Sirianni told reporters Friday. “It’s like having another coach in the building and then obviously, for the guys as well, the players as well.”
It has been long known that Rivers is a vocal player both on and off the field. The Colts have embraced that part of his game knowing he will do anything he can to get the best out of the teammates around him.
Several players around the Colts organization have lauded Rivers for his ability to take over the room, albeit in a virtual manner, this offseason. The transition he’s made from the Chargers to the Colts seems to be pretty seamless much in part due to the familiarity with head coach Frank Reich and the aforementioned Sirianni.
The second-year offensive coordinator still sees the same Rivers that has been in the league for over a decade and a half and believes the 38-year-old still has plenty left in the tank.
“One thing that is great about Philip (Rivers) is his consistency. So, I don’t see a lot of changes. He has been a very consistent player for 16 years of his career. I think that carries over in a lot of things that he does,” said Sirianni. “I still see the same passion for the game, the same teammate that he was the last time I was around him. The consistency is there and that doesn’t surprise me. That’s how he is as a football player, that’s something we look for as a coaching staff is consistency. He’s still that. As far as anything that’s changed with Philip, I don’t see anything.”
A lot is riding on the shoulders of Rivers this season. The Colts’ season could be defined by which version of the veteran they get. Consistency will be the key, and Sirianni is confident in what they have under center entering training camp.