INDIANAPOLIS — As the Indianapolis Colts explored their options at the quarterback position earlier this offseason, Frank Reich just kept going back to one name: Philip Rivers.
With an unprecedented number of quality quarterbacks expected to be available via free agency or trade, and then with the other realistic option of simply retaining Jacoby Brissett as the starter heading into 2020, Reich couldn't help but envision getting the opportunity to once again create dynamic offensive gameplans with Rivers under center.
Turns out Rivers had his sights set on Indy, too.
The "legal tampering period" for free agency began March 16, and almost instantly, Rivers' name was being linked to the Colts. It didn't take long for the two sides to progress from there.
Just one day later, Rivers and the Colts had agreed to terms on a one-year contract, and on March 21, the deal was officially done.
Reich, and the Colts, got their guy.
"This was a crazy, unique opportunity," Reich recalled Tuesday in a video conference call with local reporters, his first media session since the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
The Colts, as Reich explained it, were fully prepared to move on with Brissett as their starter entering the start of free agency. After the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck just two weeks before Week 1 of the 2019 regular season, it was Brissett that helped lead the team to a 5-2 start, highlighted by a Week 5 road victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
But the Colts weren't able to maintain that pace, and won just two games the rest of the way to finish with a 7-9 record, missing out on a chance at back-to-back postseason berths as two division rivals, the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans, both made deep playoff runs. Brissett had his ups and his downs the second half of the season, but after pouring over the film, the Colts were comfortable giving him another shot at the starting job moving forward.
So now with Rivers in the fold, the Colts believe they have two starting-caliber quarterbacks in their arsenal.
"This was a unique opportunity, and it wasn't so much about what Jacoby wasn't doing, it was about an opportunity to get someone who we feel is an elite quarterback who can help our team," Reich said.
An eight-time Pro Bowler, Rivers boasts some of the best production ever seen at the quarterback position; in all, he comes to Indy having completed 4,908-of-7,591 passes (64.7 percent) for 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns in his first 16 seasons, all with the Chargers.
In NFL history, Rivers ranks in the top 10 in several categories, including passing attempts (seventh), completions (sixth), completion percentage (ninth), passing yards (sixth), passing touchdowns (sixth), passer rating (10th), first down completions (fifth – 2,913), completions of 25 yards or more (fifth – 455) and 300-yard passing games (fourth – 70). Additionally, his 123 career regular season victories as a starter rank ninth in league history.
But some outsiders looked at Rivers' 2019 season and wondered if Father Time might've been catching up with the 38-year-old North Carolina State product. In 16 games, Rivers completed 390-of-591 passes (66 percent) for 4,615 yards — numbers any quarterback would love to have — but he had 23 passing touchdowns to 20 interceptions. In all, Rivers' passer rating of 88.5 was the third-lowest of his career as a full-time starter.
But all statistics need the proper context, and what Reich saw when he popped in Rivers' 2019 game film was a quarterback still perfectly capable of making all the throws and playing at an extremely high level.
"Obviously, when it came out that Philip was going to be available, it was an easy discussion to see that it was a fit with us," Reich said. "Does he still have it all left in the tank at 38? What does he have left in the tank at 38? Just having been there on the inside for the three years I was and knowing the quarterback position like I do, I was so confident that physically he was the right player and that he had not lost anything. All of the throws I saw on film and as I go back and studied him compared to previous throws, I really didn't notice any physical gifts diminishing at all. I really didn't."
But when it came down to brass tax, what really set Rivers apart from the others was that aforementioned familiarity with Reich, as well as Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni and tight ends coach Jason Michael — all of whom spent at least three seasons on the Chargers' coaching staff with Rivers at quarterback.
Reich spent the 2013-15 seasons as Rivers' quarterbacks coach, and then as offensive coordinator; Sirianni was with the Chargers from 2013-17 as an offensive assistant and then quarterbacks and wide receivers coach; and Michael was the Chargers' tight ends coach from 2011-13.
Rivers flourished under Reich and Sirianni's guidance, particularly. He had one of his best-overall seasons as a pro in 2013, throwing for 4,478 yards and 32 touchdowns; he led the NFL in completion percentage (69.5) and was fifth in yards per pass attempt (8.2) and fourth in passer rating (105.5) and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.
In total in Rivers' three seasons under Reich and Sirianni with the Chargers, he ranked, on average, second in the NFL in completion percentage, fifth in passing yards, fifth in touchdown passes, sixth in passer rating, seventh in fewest interceptions and ninth in yards per pass attempt.
The major advantage for Rivers and the Colts is the fact he comes in already having mastered a majority of the playbook; Reich estimated Rivers knows "80 or 85 percent of the offense — maybe more."
So as soon as Rivers is able to officially join the team and the coaching staff in a more official capacity — the COVID-19 health emergency has all offseason workout program plans on hold for the time being — he can hit the ground running.
"When I tell you he is elite intellectually, he's just at the top," Reich said of Rivers. "There's a rare group of guys in the football world who I would put in that category. Not everybody gets those gifts. He has them and so that'll be to his advantage and to our advantage.
"As far as teaching him more, when we are able to send him stuff and get him materials he'll pick it up quickly," Reich continued. "As soon as we are able to communicate with him where we can talk football and really get into teaching mode, it won't take long."
See the best images of quarterback Philip Rivers following his signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, greets Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Colts 30-24 in overtime. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls a play in the offensive huddle during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers stands for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. Rivers' career with the Los Angeles Chargers has come to an end. The franchise announced Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, that Rivers will enter free agency and not return for the upcoming season. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls out to his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers smiles at a news conference following an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. The Kansas City Chiefs won 31-21. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls a play from the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers won 45-10.(Perry Knotts via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talk after their NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 31-21. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers won 45-10.(Perry Knotts via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Raiders won 24-17. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) warms up during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday Dec. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers warms up before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 45-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, greets Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins after an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 45-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers answers a question from a reporter during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) greet after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Packers, 26-11. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls out instructions at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 in Mexico City. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 45-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes before an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leaves the field after their loss against the against the Denver Broncos in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. The Chargers won 17-16. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, center, throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers walks on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is pressured by Tennessee Titans linebacker Reggie Gilbert (93) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on from the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers answers questions after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Carson, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on from the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, left, and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers shake hands after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 in Carson, Calif. Pittsburgh won 24-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, passes to running back Austin Ekeler during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) scrambles for a gain of one yard to the Houston Texans 29 yard line with 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Texans defeated the Chargers 27-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
