Quarterback Philip Rivers, who returned to the ranks of the Indianapolis Colts to fill in for the injured Daniel Jones, who will miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon, was met with heavy criticism from people both inside and outside the NFL.
That reaction was expected and surely something Rivers had already accounted for. Although he looked rusty after spending five years away from professional football and working as a high school coach, his performance was not nearly as poor as many anticipated.
In fact, during the Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday, December 14, Rivers effectively put the Colts in position to win the game. It was the defense that failed to hold the lead, ultimately allowing the outcome to slip away.
Rivers was sharp on short throws, displaying timing and accuracy. Where he struggled was on deeper passes, which was hardly surprising. Time takes its toll, and at 44 years old, arm strength inevitably begins to fade. He did, however, throw a late interception that proved costly for Indianapolis’ hopes in the contest.
Cam Newton mocks Philip Rivers in a very peculiar way
After the loss, former quarterback Cam Newton addressed Rivers’ return on his podcast, commenting on his first NFL appearance after nearly 1,800 days away from professional action.
Newton chose to use a melody to describe Rivers’ comeback to the league’s fields
Philip Rivers is not the answer for the Indianapolis Colts. Why? The play just wasn’t great.”… “It’s been a long, long time throwing, and I know, still there’s going to come. Oh yes, it will. Oh, yes, it will. There have been too many options. Being running low. But baby, looking at joy. Grabbed it, I see how. Grabbed it at will and the tile in our hall. Because I’m 44 and I got to get more.
Newton said bluntly before launching into the song.
Did five-yard check-downs, did half-back screams. Oh, the team going to know, because they going to get no easier. It’s going to get tough. Tough, tough, tough. Rough, rough, rough. Because baby, I’m looking at my sketch. It’s going to have me jumping off the ledge. Because I see the San Francisco 49ers. They ain’t no hoe. But they’re the easiest ones, huh? (Co-host asks who’s next). You didn’t know? Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans.
Newton ended the song that way and added comments about the Colts’ upcoming opponents.
In a humorous tone, Cam laid out the reality facing the team and its new quarterback. The road ahead will not be easy for Indianapolis, especially considering Rivers’ unspectacular stat line: 18-of-27 for 120 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and one sack.
On passes of 10 yards or more, Rivers completed just 3 of 8 attempts for 33 yards. On throws of 10 yards or fewer, he went 16 of 18 for 87 yards and a touchdown.
The path has grown complicated for the Colts after a strong start, and with Daniel Jones lost, their postseason hopes continue to fade with each passing game.
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