Every team, every year has aspirations to play in the biggest game throughout the world of sports. Only a select few have a chance to truly make those hopes come true, and Philip Rivers believes the Indianapolis Colts are one of them.
Among the many reasons he decided to take the one-year offer from general manager Chris Ballard, the chance to potentially compete on the sport’s biggest stage played a part in making that decision.
“It certainly plays a part. I feel like every team believes that they’ve got a chance, but there are probably only – all 32 probably don’t really have a chance to win it all each and every year,” Rivers said last week. “I know whichever team you’re on, you’re going to believe that and as competitors you do, but certainly having the opportunity to come here with what this team has built and Chris Ballard and Frank (Reich) and Mr. (Jim) Irsay and the whole organization, and what they’ve built and the direction where we’re headed here made it exciting. It certainly did.”
The Colts have constructed their roster to the point where they should be competing for the division title. Beyond that, it’s a mystery as to how far of a postseason run they can make. Winning the division is the first priority, though, for a team that has a pretty deep roster.
The Colts made the decision to bring Rivers in after his departure from the Chargers, the only team he’s ever played for. Both sides believe the 38-year-old has some gas left in the tank, especially with the supporting cast boasted on the offensive side of the ball.
The Colts will have their share of competition, however. The Titans and Texans should both be considered candidates to win the AFC South title while the rest of the conference features some of the best teams in the league.
The Colts haven’t gotten past the divisional round of the playoffs since 2014 when they reached the AFC Conference Championship game. That’s the only time they have made it past the divisional round since their Super Bowl loss in 2009.
But this roster seems poised to be a playoff contender. Anything can happen in the playoffs if they get there, and that’s one of the biggest reasons Rivers signed with the team this offseason.