Colts' Reich doesn't see drop-off in Rivers' skills
INDIANAPOLIS — Having a chance to sign quarterback Philip Rivers was a “crazy unique opportunity,” and one that the Indianapolis Colts couldn’t pass up, according to coach Frank Reich.
Reich has history with Rivers. He was his quarterbacks coach for a season and then his offensive coordinator for two seasons with the Chargers.
“Just being there on the inside in the three years that I was and knowing the quarterback position like I do, I was so confident physically he was the right player and he had not lost anything,” Reich said Tuesday. “I didn’t notice any physical gifts diminishing. From a locker room guy, this guy brings juice … When I tell you he’s elite intellectually, he’s at the top. There are a group of guys in the football world I would put in that category, not everybody gets those gifts. He has them.”
Reich had his eye on Rivers since it became known that the quarterback would become a free agent for the first time in his 16-year NFL career earlier this winter. The coach mentioned his interest in Rivers to general manager Chris Ballard and owner Jim Irsay because he believes the quarterback has what it takes to get them back to the playoffs.
The coach got his new starting quarterback when the Colts signed the 38-year-old Rivers to a one-year, $25 million deal.
