One of the expected notions after signing quarterback Philip Rivers was that the Indianapolis Colts can get back to their ways of throwing the ball more often. While that’s certainly in the cards, they are still planning on being an offense that prefers a balanced attack.
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Following a 2019 season that kept the Colts from leaning on their passing game, the addition of Rivers will allow them to throw the ball when needed. Unfortunately, they didn’t get that with Jacoby Brissett, who was far too inconsistent and indecisive to trust throwing the ball 35 times a game.
Rivers can do that for the Colts, but head coach Frank Reich still envisions a balanced attack even with the 38-year-old under center.
“I just think he’s at a stage in his career where it’s just – this is right thing, this is a great move for him,” Reich said Monday. “He’s a great fit for us and I think he’s going to welcome playing behind this offensive line, handing the ball off more and not have to throw it 35 times a game to win.”
The Colts have built their offense through the offensive line. This allows them to stay balanced between the passing attack and the run game. Add in now that they have a strong 1-2 punch in Jonathan Taylor and Marlon Mack, and it’s easy to see why they prefer to be balanced.
But that won’t mean Rivers won’t throw the ball. He certainly will. In five of his last six seasons, Rivers has averaged at least 35 pass attempts per game. But Reich feels the veteran quarterback is also at his best when he has a strong run game behind him rather than having to carry the load for the entire offense.
“He’s always been great in the pass game, but there’s I don’t think any doubt that he’s been most efficient and played his best football when he has a good run game,” Reich said.
It will be interesting to see how the offense changes in terms of production from 2019 to 2020 but even with the gun-slinging Rivers, the Colts are expected to be a balanced offense.
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