Philip Rivers turns back the clock and shows Colts he still has a clutch gene despite tough loss to Seahawks
It was far from perfect but the Colts saw Philip Rivers give everything he had for them in Week 15 and it led to some big moments for the future Hall of Famer.
The Indianapolis Colts came close to pulling off a surprise victory in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, with Philip Rivers at quarterback after a five-year absence.
The game wasn’t perfect and could hardly be described as pretty, but it was impressive to see the Colts control most of the game. It was also rather inspiring to watch Rivers turn back the clock a bit.
There were a few plays stood out as truly game-changing and should stick with fans when they look back on this moment. One of those was his first touchdown since he last played in 2020 to Josh Downs. His biggest play, though, came with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter to set up a go-ahead field goal, and no one saw it coming.
Therefore, I figured it’d be a good opportunity to bring in A to Z NFL’s Kyle Crabbs and take a closer look.
Philip Rivers and Alec Pierce had the Colts in a spot to beat the Seahawks
Kyle: I’m still not sure what I was expecting from Philip Rivers in Week 15. What we got was a performance that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Rivers didn’t post big time numbers by any means. But he, off the street and amid a 5-year layoff, went 18/27 for 120 yards and a score — including a potential game-winning drive that was fueled by a gorgeous third-down conversion to Alec Pierce.
With the Colts facing 3rd & 7 on the wrong side of the 2-minute warning on their own 35-yard line, Rivers got behind center in the shotgun with Pierce aligned to his left and a tight trips bunch to his right. The Seahawks aligned in a two-high safety shell, looking to limit opportunities for an explosive play.
Football can be a complicated game. Seattle, for their part, tried to confuse Rivers on this snap by calling a mixed coverage — locking CB Josh Jobe on the backside in man coverage against Pierce while the rest of the defense zoned out the front side of the play. If you could get Rivers to slow down and process the coverage, perhaps the pass rush could get home. Seattle got good surge from EDGE Boye Mafe, too, who collapsed backup OT Luke Tenuta on the play and flashed in front of Rivers’ face.
But Rivers refused to make this play complicated. There’s no coverage for the perfect pass — which exactly what Rivers uncorked via a back-shoulder throw to Pierce up the left sideline. Pierce shielded the ball with his frame and successfully pulled in the conversion to set up a go-ahead score.
On the road, one of the best defenses in the league, five-year layoff, mixed coverage, backup tackle collapsed into your face. The list goes on and on. Rivers couldn’t have walked down the field and handed the ball to Pierce any better. No, the Colts didn’t win on Sunday in Seattle. But Rivers’ performance, especially in this big moment, is special none the less.
Rivers’ performance will be hard to forget
Destin: After rarely taking shots beyond the sticks in this game, the Colts were put in a position where they had no choice but to do just that. On 3rd and 7 with less than two minutes remaining, Rivers dropped back and did something he hadn’t done all game successfully by taking a shot at the sideline.
WR Alec Pierce had single coverage, and the defensive back looked truly shocked that Rivers was taking a back-shoulder shot. Pierce altered his body and made a heck of a catch to extend the Colts’ drive that would end with a 60-yard field goal for Blake Grupe.
The fact that Rivers even agreed to return to the NFL is in itself commendable, but he also took the field as the Colts’ starter after less than a week of preparation. Against all odds, he did it and made plays that had the Colts in position to win this game. After the game, he shared that he hoped he had inspired his children and young people everywhere that you can do anything, and he certainly accomplished that.
“Maybe it will inspire or teach not to run or be scared of what may or may not happen,” Rivers said after the game. “Hopefully, I certainly think of my sons and those ball players I’m in charge of there at the school that they will say crap coach wasn’t scared.”
The Colts didn’t win, but Rivers showed he can still make clutch plays when needed and that can help keep Indy afloat over the last three games of the season.
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Philip Rivers gave it his all, but the Colts fell short, and they must now decide if he truly gives them the best chance to win
The Colts came close to one of the biggest upsets in the NFL this season, but fell just short. Now, they have to look in the mirror and decide if Philip Rivers gives them the best chance to win now.
