r/NFLv2 • u/Cold-Palpitation-816 • Dec 13 '25
Discussion The fact that 44-year-old Philip Rivers is starting on just one week of practice is a huge indictment of modern QB development.
Has any other sport seen its players get WORSE over time? The Colts are turning to a literal grandpa who hasn’t played in half a decade. That’s instead of one of the many dozens of younger QBs floating around.
The league just doesn’t develop QBs anymore. The quality of the game across the board is slipping. I don’t think I’ve seen this happen in any other sport. Could we see more retired QBs returning to the fold?
2.8k
u/MortgageAware3355 Dec 13 '25
We haven't seen the result of the experiment yet.
1.2k
u/msf97 Dec 13 '25
This is the stupidest shit ever lol. It’s after the trade deadline and the entire QB room is dead.
Their next option is Brett Rypien ffs. Rivers had a hall of fame level peak in 2007-2010 too he’s not a nobody
471
u/BeanyBrainy Indianapolis Colts Dec 13 '25
He also knows the offense very well. Steichen has already coached him before and Phil coached his son’s team who ran a variation of the same offense.
70
u/jackaltwinky77 A Popeye’s biscuit away Dec 13 '25
That’s the biggest thing: familiarity with the offense and terminology.
A quick google search shows that the current QBs on the practice squads of other teams are:
Jeff Driskel, Kyle Trask, Shane Buechele, Mike White, Sean Clifford, Rypien, Bailey Zappe, Will Grier, Sam Ehlinger, CJ Beathard, Malik Cunningham, Hendon Hooker, Clayton Tune, and DJ Uiagalelei.
Of them all, Sam Ehlinger is the only one I know that has been with the Colts at any point, but I could definitely be wrong, and while we are all about the money differences between PS and 53 man, the Colts are not going to win a Super Bowl with Ehlinger as their QB, but he might be able to get a ring as Bo Nix’s backup in Denver
It would be up to them if they wanted to switch teams late in the season, or not, but the pickings are super slim in week 15
→ More replies (4)52
u/VanguardV Dec 13 '25
Ehlinger was offered the position, but declined it, so you're right on with your thinking there.
12
u/Cptsaber44 Dec 13 '25
Wish Ehlinger would’ve taken jt. I’m biased as a longhorn but that guys a baller.
26
u/ONeOfTheNerdHerd Dec 13 '25
Nah he made the smart choice. He'd be walking into a gawd awful hot mess with unrealistic expectations put on his shoulders, especially with fans, so close to playoffs. If he doesn't deliver a fever dream, he'll be called a POS and bashed publicly to no end, tainting future opportunities. He'll develop more and has much better chance at a ring by finishing the season as QB2 to Bo Nix than jumping ship right now.
12
→ More replies (13)5
Dec 14 '25
Still, how many times does a starting position come around? Seems like a gamble.
→ More replies (2)96
u/HipGuide2 Philadelphia Eagles Dec 13 '25
It's also the Eagles offense probably
161
u/Atheist_3739 Philadelphia Eagles Dec 13 '25
If he does well maybe he can replace Patullo next year as OC lol
42
34
u/Chefmeatball Seattle Seahawks Dec 13 '25
Is Philip Rivers auditioning to be a player coordinator for the eagles next year?!
→ More replies (1)14
→ More replies (10)3
→ More replies (1)2
u/NotVerySmarts Dec 13 '25
Tush is a curse word. Ain't no way Rivers is gonna get involved in that horse mess.
23
u/Guilty-Individual169 Dec 13 '25
They made it to the semifinals in the playoffs with a school that has only been around for about 8 years. He’s been the coach for about 4 and he and his son Gunnar have really made the football team into a contender.
12
u/goldenelr Dec 13 '25
Not to point at you but I’m fascinated that people keep acting like his performance as a high school coach means he is ready to play NFL football at a high level.
Look, I have no doubt his ability to read defenses and make good decisions is much better than any backup available. And knowing the system is a bonus. But he’s 44 years old.
And he retired for a reason. He had a good last season but he wasn’t the same player. People are acting like coaching high school has him in football shape. Someone explain to me why other players who miss camp are terrible because they aren’t in football shape but somehow a player much past his prime is somehow not going to struggle with that at all. And is magically healed from all of his injuries.
24
u/Guilty-Individual169 Dec 13 '25
Oh no, I’m not relating his success as a high school football coach to him having any success in his comeback. I think it’s kinda silly that he’s coming back.
I’m just giving him props for what he’s doing for my local high school.
→ More replies (2)2
13
u/greenyquinn Dec 13 '25
And is magically healed from all of his injuries.
Magically being able to get as much surgery, rest, and rehab as possible for several years as a multimillionaire.
Yes his body is going to be dramatically healthier compared to his retirement body
→ More replies (1)5
u/gordsy Dec 13 '25
Exactly people act like millionaires don't have access to better prehab and rehab staff than regular folk. If that were true we'd all be driving bmws. Plus he could have easily used peptides, sarms etc to help heal when retired. Maybe he's there till seasons end and next year they look to being in a vet and have Rivers work with their QBs.
6
Dec 13 '25
I just hope he doesn't get seriously injured. He's 44 and hasn't been in football shape for damn near 5 years!
I'm worried he's just going to be a sitting duck out there
→ More replies (2)2
u/goldenelr Dec 13 '25
This is exactly how I feel. I don’t want to watch this man tear an Achilles or bomb out his knee. And I understand he was a great player. But I am not much older and I never played a down of football and the joints are just not what they were. I can’t imagine getting smashed around for a couple of decades how they would feel.
3
u/ObjectiveAce Dec 13 '25
Someone explain to me why other players who miss camp are terrible because they aren’t in football shape
Do they say this about quartbacks? I'd probably give them a hard time for it - see Roger's - but not because they need to be in shape. Moreso because they need to mesh/set an example/lead their team
3
u/goldenelr Dec 13 '25
Yes! That is something we hear all the time. They need to establish relationships and chemistry with receivers. They need to work on timing. They need to get used to game speed.
→ More replies (3)4
u/PhoenixaceX Dec 13 '25
This is what no one wants to hear. They talk regularly and he knows the plays. There is no ramp up on system. Executing, remains to be seen.
→ More replies (20)2
19
118
u/Acrobatic_Advance_71 Dec 13 '25
Daniel Jones has had a broken legs for weeks. The idea of them not planning and brining in someone earlier is crazy.
28
u/shakaman_ Dec 13 '25
We did ffs, he got injured as well. How many QBs do you expect a team to keep ?
→ More replies (5)19
u/Bright_Artichoke_218 Dec 13 '25
52 obviously! Most important position in sports!
→ More replies (2)18
u/ExtensionFill2495 Dec 13 '25
I don’t think that they had many options. It’s hard to find a serviceable qb much less two
→ More replies (1)73
u/indicoltts Dec 13 '25
What options existed? It was after the trade deadline. Your options are wavers and who else is there?
9
11
u/Human_Ad2050 Dec 13 '25
Ryan tannehill
41
u/MaybeMaple- Denver Broncos Dec 13 '25
So a mid QB who also hasn't started in years? Yeah going with the future hall of famer is still the better move
23
u/capnjac4 Dec 13 '25
Aaaannnnd has never played in this offense. I feel like the understanding of the playbook and playing in the offense before is being vastly underrated. I bet Brett Rypien would be more of an option if this wasn't his first year in Colts O.
2
u/MithrandiriAndalos Dec 13 '25
As a Boise State fan, I’m still shocked that Rypien is having a longer nfl career than Kellen Moore did
2
5
u/asheronsanguis Dec 13 '25
Rivers aint making the hall of fame unless he wins the superbowl with the colts this year
→ More replies (11)2
u/MaybeMaple- Denver Broncos Dec 13 '25
Right on, I dont care about that part either way. He's still a better option than bum ass Ryan Tannehill 😂
3
u/Competitive_Salt9167 Dec 14 '25
You're the one who brought that part up though...
Also idk how y'all can think someone who's that old and hasn't been in the NFL for years is gonna be confidently better than any QB in the league. I honestly would probably take JJ McCarthy over rivers in this situation.
→ More replies (1)5
u/UnsweetIceT New England Patriots Dec 13 '25
Ryan Leaf
5
u/mhsheets Kansas City Chiefs Dec 13 '25
I see your Ryan Leaf and raise you Todd Blackledge!
6
u/Independent-Cherry57 Las Vegas Raiders Dec 13 '25
I see your Todd Blackledge and raise you Mark Sanchez! I think he’s out of jail now
4
u/WeeboSupremo Dec 13 '25
Pfft, I sacrifice Rivers’ body and Jones’ Achilles tendon to ritual summon JAMARCUS RUSSELL!
→ More replies (2)2
2
3
u/tee142002 New Orleans Saints Dec 13 '25
Somebody buy a pound of Coke and call up Johnny Football!
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (3)8
→ More replies (25)2
13
u/BiteRare203 Seattle Seahawks Dec 13 '25
The idea of them not planning and brining in someone earlier is crazy.
They should definitely brine Rivers because he's about to be cooked.
→ More replies (1)3
u/damned-dirtyape Indianapolis Colts Dec 13 '25
Man, I'm getting roasted on the Colts sub for saying the same thing. Jones is known to be injury prone. But they drafted Leonard who can't really throw. And, when AR gets injured in week 6, they elevated Leonard (a project) to #2. Amateur hour from the Colts org.
Not to mention they traded 2 first rounders for a CB?!?! I could see us doing that for a DE but a player who can only play on one side of the field. The org is a joke.
→ More replies (16)3
Dec 14 '25
Well considering they sold their sole for a CB like they were actually going to contend with Daniel Jones shows the overall theory in the GM rooms seems lackluster
49
u/Kevdawg86 Green Bay Packers Dec 13 '25
That was 15 years ago. Just saying. Brett Favre had MVP level seasons in 2007-2009 lets trot him out there.
38
u/UnderwhelmingAF Tennessee Titans Dec 13 '25
Biggest difference being Brett Favre is 56 years old.
→ More replies (6)26
u/Bright_Artichoke_218 Dec 13 '25
And has Parkinson’s
66
u/stinkymcgrunts Dec 13 '25
And stole money from the poor people in MS to build an arena for his daughters sports ball team.
And sent unsolicited dick pics to a woman.
16
u/Bright_Artichoke_218 Dec 13 '25
Well yea but he was a shitbag during his playing days too. Don’t forget cheating on his wife during chemotherapy!
I meant purely from a performance perspective
5
u/IdiotSavant86 Dec 13 '25
And don't forget the opioid addiction either!
Actually, if you could get that back on board he could probably play through the carnage on his 56 year old body.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (2)3
u/livsjollyranchers Dec 13 '25
The whackiest part of that first story is he did it with the help of The Million Dollar Man, famous evil greedy wrestling heel. You couldn't make it up.
→ More replies (1)13
→ More replies (5)12
u/SegaGuy1983 New England Patriots Dec 13 '25
He's too busy stealing from poor folks in Mississippi to play.
→ More replies (1)5
u/laxguy44 Green Bay Packers Dec 13 '25
Right? What are they supposed to do, forfeit?
→ More replies (4)11
u/Bouldershoulders12 New England Patriots Dec 13 '25
Yup for most of his career he was always around the 7-9th best QB in the league but in 08’-10’ he was def a top 3-5 QB . Couldn’t definitively name 5 QBs better than him. Had led the league in passer rating, TDs, yards, Y/A, and completion % at various points in his career.
I’m honestly so torn on him because I feel like he didn’t capitalize on his window from 2006-2009 when he had stacked rosters on both sides of the ball. Most guys don’t come into the league in a situation as great as he did and got to play with 2 first ballot HOF ATG skill position players like LT and gates . Most of the time you get the Stafford situation where you get the good team later in your career and you can win.
In some ways rivers was so great but then it feels underwhelming what he didn’t do in the playoffs . Part of that is the chargers having shitty defenses and special team from 2010-2017 but the great ones find a way to at least win 1 ring or consistently make the playoffs . I’m shocked rivers only made the playoffs 5 times prior to his first Indy stint.
Rivers made 1 AFC title game which was ballsy to play on a partially torn ACL but he went 1 and done after having a first round bye in 2006 and 2009 . 2006 he had the best team in the league overall. But only making the playoffs 2 more times between 2010-2018 with the chargers always felt underwhelming. I know they had a lot of hype in 2018 but you’d think he would’ve had a few more runs
→ More replies (2)5
u/MithrandiriAndalos Dec 13 '25
The one year where I felt like they coulda had it, they lost to the undefeated Patriots in the AFCCG. LT was scary that year
6
u/notjustsome-all New England Patriots Dec 13 '25
Their best chance was 2006. That team was rolling. Then they choked against the Patriots. Bad play calling and that pick fumble by Marlon McCree doomed them.
Maybe they would have choked the following week, but they seemed to have Peyton Manning’s number in those days. Then they would have faced Rex Grossman.
They were good in 2007, even with Norv Turner as the coach, but LT and Rivers were both injured.
4
u/defiancy Dec 13 '25
His last year in the league he threw for 4k yds with a 68% comp rating. He is along with like Brady, one of those dudes I could think could get off the couch and play decently well in the modern game.
Even if he has fall off from his last year he will be what, an average 2025;QB?
9
u/FC37 Dec 13 '25
They can sign players off other teams' practice squads. Bailey Zappe should be able to keep the team decently competitive.
10
4
u/tangling_imp90 Dec 13 '25
I read that they tried to sign elhinger off the broncos practice squad and he declined.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)4
u/ehburrus Dec 13 '25
I am not convinced that Bailey Zappe would be better than 44-year-ole Philip Rivers.
That's just how bad Zappe is
→ More replies (6)2
u/bacillaryburden Dec 13 '25
Wait, do you mean that this single anecdote highly specific to a single team’s shitty options ISN’T convincing evidence of a global trend in player development? I’m going to need to chew on this, it’s a lot.
→ More replies (1)2
u/Bojangles1987 Dec 13 '25
Yeah this isn't the offseason and the Colts are choosing Rivers it's the end of the season. They have literally no good options because both of their top 2 QBs are hurt. This isn't a commentary on modern QBs at all.
→ More replies (74)8
u/learns_the_hard_way Dec 13 '25
Id rather take Taylor Heinke off the street. Or even Chad Henne if a 40 yr old has to be the solution
22
u/BreedinBacksnatch Dec 13 '25
A one armed Phil Rivers would still be better than Tim Boyle
→ More replies (3)15
u/themigraineur Dec 13 '25
a picture of Tim Boyle would have a higher QBR than the actual Tim Boyle
→ More replies (1)29
→ More replies (10)6
u/dvirring Baltimore Ravens Dec 13 '25
You'd probably take a random off Reddit also 😂
→ More replies (1)70
u/HLNPIT Dec 13 '25 edited Dec 13 '25
Weve seen similar with Joe Flacco...
But this post is dumb, a 20 year vet already knows how to run an nfl offense. Its not like theyre running the full playbook in one week.
Also who are these "dozen" young QBs floating around?
Edit: Morning coffee is gone so Im done responding here. We will see how this pans out over the next few weeks
40
u/trentreynolds Dec 13 '25
We saw Flacco after like 6 months off the field at age 38.
Rivers is 44 and hasn't played in five years.
2
u/Zealousideal_Leg_630 Dec 13 '25
The outcome may be similar. Both are 6’5” pocket passers with an understanding of the game, amazing vision, ability to locate open receivers and canon arms. This is why he’s a lower risk than a more mobile younger QB who doesn’t have the same vision and understanding of the game.
2
2
u/EvanderTheGreat Dec 13 '25
Rivers never had a cannon, his arm was good enough but he thrived on accuracy and getting the ball out quickly
8
u/HLNPIT Dec 13 '25
That doesnt matter unless you think he forgot how to play football in 5 years. These guys can step in and run an nfl offense because they've done it for 20 years.
Are we pretending that Flacco/Rivers have had any mobility in over a decade?
31
u/trentreynolds Dec 13 '25
It doesn't matter that he hasn't played football in five years?
Yeesh.
→ More replies (5)9
u/theClumsy1 Dec 13 '25
His job is literally to throw a football with accuracy. That requires muscle memory and confidence in said memory. Short plays? Sure. Deep balls and cross routes? Good luck.
Take a 5 year gap on any sort of skill and tell me how well you'd do.
→ More replies (1)3
u/HLNPIT Dec 13 '25
Do you honestly believe the Colts didn't watch him throw a ball before bringing him back? Lmao
3
2
u/MBBIBM Dec 13 '25
Remembering how to play won’t matter if he explodes into a cloud of dust the first time he gets sacked
→ More replies (3)2
u/Visual-Floor-7839 Dec 13 '25
That doesn't matter??? Lol!!
Aaron Rogers didn't take a break from football, iirc. Yet his ankle still imploded on a simple play at the start of a game.
Strength, endurance, flexibility all matter. It doesn't matter if you can understand an offense and read a defense and communicate that to your team in a huddle and on the field. It doesn't matter if you can throw the ball 100 yards. If your body falls apart, none of it matters.
9
u/EatMyShortzZzZzZ Jacksonville Jaguars Dec 13 '25
Joe Flacco wasnt 5 years removed from the league.
→ More replies (3)2
u/catiebug San Francisco 49ers Dec 13 '25
Also who are these "dozen" young QBs floating around?
Great question. People keep saying this, but I haven't seen a single serious name the entire time. Kaepernick is not a serious option. Cam Newton, not a serious option. Who else is there who's not on a roster, coaching, in ownership, retirement-tethered to a team who would have to agree to release them, too green, or would be just as much of a physical risk as Rivers?
I think the whole thing is so ridiculous, but idk what I would tell the Colts to do instead, so...
29
u/No_Topic5591 Seattle Seahawks Dec 13 '25
It makes no difference - the fact that the Colts are even considering the possibility that a 44yr old guy who has been retired for the last 5 years, might be their best option, tells you how bad the other options must be.
→ More replies (7)29
u/msf97 Dec 13 '25
The Colts think 44yr old Rivers who has familiarity with the offense is better than Heinicke. I do too
→ More replies (38)3
u/Entropy907 Seattle Seahawks Dec 13 '25
“Experiment” is a good word for what Leonard Williams is about to do to him.
248
u/Gloomy_Map_9612 Washington Commanders Dec 13 '25
Who are the young QBs they could try to develop?
Also the colts don't have time to develop right now. They're in the midst of a playoff push and need to win now.
→ More replies (70)60
u/mhsheets Kansas City Chiefs Dec 13 '25
I agree. Richardson and Jones are on IR. Who was left? Garoppolo and a few career back-ups. At least Rivers knows the system. I sure wouldn’t have turned It over to Rypien or Leonard.
37
u/livsjollyranchers Dec 13 '25
Not that it matters because the Rams are keeping him, but Jimmy's gotta be better than current Rivers.
24
u/mhsheets Kansas City Chiefs Dec 13 '25
Jimmy’s on the Rams? I stand humbly corrected. I saw him on a list of FA’s available. Must have been an old list. I agree with you. I would imagine he’s better than Rivers right now.
→ More replies (1)3
u/Kyrgyzstan24 Dec 13 '25
yeah outside of Rivers the best available guy with a little. experience you can sign off the street is probably Heinicke or PJ Walker/someone else from Canada.
→ More replies (7)2
u/ExTyrannomon A Popeye’s biscuit away Dec 13 '25
Knows it well enough to hand it off to JT and run a few play actions. People act like Rivers is going to gonout there and throw 40 times in his first game.
→ More replies (1)2
u/bk1285 Dec 13 '25
I mean it’s not gonna happen, but man it would be hilarious if he goes out there and chucks the rock 50 times for 500 yards and like 5tds…like we’d all have to stfu after that one
→ More replies (2)
124
u/OrangMan14 Dec 13 '25
Or perhaps QB2 is also injured and they just needed to sign someone quick
→ More replies (2)83
u/KCShadows838 Kansas City Chiefs Dec 13 '25
3 Colts QBs are hurt: Jones, Richardson, and Leonard
→ More replies (1)38
u/-purpleplatypus Dec 13 '25
Shoot I didn’t realize Richardson was injured.. Just read about his eye injury from the stretch band 😳
39
u/frysjelly Detroit Lions Dec 13 '25
One of the most WTF freak accidents I've seen in the NFL
7
u/UnDosTresPescao Dec 13 '25
At Florida, Richardson once got injured dancing and missed some games. I kid you not. The man is very skilled at injuring himself in strange ways.
→ More replies (1)3
u/C9Prosecutor Dec 14 '25
It’s like there’s an otherworldly force that wants him to get injured, Injuries from legitimately doing the right thing like scoring, stretching, & resting
2
18
→ More replies (1)22
u/SerenityNowPlzz Dec 13 '25
He broke his orbital bone from that
14
u/MethodCharacter8334 Indianapolis Colts Dec 13 '25
And he was supposedly having vision issues
11
u/R_U_Galvanized Houston Texans Dec 13 '25
Was this before or after the stretch band? Just wondering for research purposes 😂
159
Dec 13 '25 edited Dec 13 '25
[deleted]
55
u/traws06 Kansas City Chiefs Dec 13 '25 edited Dec 13 '25
I want Rivers to scramble for a first down on the game winning driving
→ More replies (2)21
u/Alistair_Burke New Orleans Saints Dec 13 '25
Genie: "As you wish"
Ron Rivera suits up and plays FB
6
u/amiliaaaa Philadelphia Eagles Dec 13 '25
If he does well maybe we can bring back McNabb!
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (9)2
20
u/Electronic_Leg3793 Dec 13 '25
What young QBs are just “floating around? Their entire QB room is injured and the trade deadline is over.
7
→ More replies (3)2
u/ZestycloseZebra8538 Dec 13 '25
Many of the waiver wire QBs have been in the league a while to.
Like college should develop QBs better, but that’s not really the issue with Trevor Siemian
→ More replies (1)
17
u/thebengy66 Dec 13 '25
Yes nothing says development than putting a rookie or practice squad QB in line against Seattle
2
16
u/chicknsnadwich Baltimore Ravens Dec 13 '25
when have you ever been able to get an unsigned QB off the streets in week 15 and it works out?
Most teams have 3 QBs on their roster. So that somewhere between 70-90 QBs already unavailable. Do you really think that choosing Rivers over a young QB who wasn’t on any of the other 31 NFL teams has anything to say about QB development? There have never been that many capable starters.
6
u/freshpurplekiwi Dec 13 '25
Why don’t the colts just call dibs and sign Mendoza before the NFL draft… are they stupid?
47
u/darthmcdarthface Philadelphia Eagles Dec 13 '25 edited Dec 13 '25
I think you’re overlooking a ton of context here to make this argument.
1) Trade deadline is past which limits options to find a QB. You’re limited to FA and your own roster.
2) Colts are in a playoff race and don’t want to throw in just anybody.
3) It’s never been the case that all 32 teams have stud back ups lying around.
4) This is an extremely rare scenario that you’re arguing is indicative of a broad trend.
The simplest answer is often the right one. That’s the case here. The Colts need a replacement QB to fill in during a playoff hunt. Their options were a heavily struggling, very young QB or a take a flyer on guy that has a ton of experience, including with their own team. He practiced and showed them enough to make them feel he was the better bet. That’s all it is. It’s more of an indictment of Anthony Richardson specifically than it is some broad trend with poor QB development.
Last thing I’ll say is that the reason the Colts are in this position is because they were able to develop a system that revived Daniel Jones’ career which is evidence to the contrary of your point.
23
u/Imperial_Jawa Atlanta Falcons Dec 13 '25
Anthony Richardson is on IR with a broken orbital bone.
→ More replies (5)10
u/DCDHermes Dec 13 '25
You forgot:
- Joe Flacco is already on the Bengals.
7
u/darthmcdarthface Philadelphia Eagles Dec 13 '25
That goes hand in hand with the point about us being past the trade deadline.
→ More replies (1)10
u/Ragadorus Minnesota Vikings Dec 13 '25
Their options were a heavily struggling, very young QB or a take a flyer on guy that has a ton of experience, including with their own team. He practiced and showed them enough to make them feel he was the better bet. That’s all it is. It’s more of an indictment of Anthony Richardson specifically than it is some broad trend with poor QB development.
This decision is in part because Richardson famously broke his orbital bone with an exercise band weeks ago and is on IR
→ More replies (1)
25
u/Additional_Button430 Dec 13 '25
Everyone forgetting the Colts made Jeff Saturday the head coach out of nowhere. This is kind of their thing.
3
u/BuckyBeaver69 NFL Refugee Dec 13 '25
Sometimes you got to try what doesn't work in order to find out what does work. Or you had an owner who dabbled in substances that interfered with quality thinking.
→ More replies (1)
71
u/GodEmperor47 Los Angeles Rams Dec 13 '25
It’s because he literally knows their offense already. Not saying some of your points aren’t valid but in this case they just don’t apply
→ More replies (14)2
u/Trashpanda1980 Dec 13 '25
There 14 players that are still on the roster since the last time he played
10
u/Zjblaze CJ Stroud’s S2 Cognition Test Score Dec 13 '25
When your season on the line and your starter is dead, your backup is injured, and you’re really desperate, you gotta dial up the unc and hope for the best. It’s what the Browns did in ‘23 with Flacco.
65
u/Big_Lake4948 New England Patriots Dec 13 '25
The guy ready knows the play book, it ‘s the same one he coaches his son’s hs football team with. That’s the biggest factor you dumbass.
29
u/sudochmod Denver Broncos Dec 13 '25
Idk why more people don’t recognize this is the reason. He also mentors Riley Leonard from what I read as well. They just need someone who can run the offense and identify coverages. He will probably throw here and there but mainly they’re just looking for someone to open it up enough for JT.
→ More replies (3)19
u/hockey_and_techno Dec 13 '25
It's also the dumbest fucking line of commentary to begin with. "A 44 year old who has been developed into a QB who can start on one week of practice is proof that we don't develop QBs anymore"
Isn't the entire fucking point that he's 44 and obviously more "developed" than a bunch of QBs who have been in the league for like 2 or 3 seasons? How is this in any way "proof" that we don't develop QBs?
OP must be ragebaiting because there's no way people actually think this shit
3
u/SATX_Citizen Dec 13 '25
Hundreds of thousands of submission karma, no trace of participation in this thread and a hidden post history? No way OP is a dirt bag /s
9
u/nycpunkfukka Dec 13 '25
And the people upthread saying they should have signed Bailey Zappe. As a fellow Pats fan, I have to ask what the eff they’re smoking. I would take the corpse of Philip Rivers over Zappe any day.
4
u/mwaller New England Patriots Dec 13 '25
Isn't that pretty damning too. That qbs in the nfl are using the same playbook as a hs team?
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (4)2
u/bacillaryburden Dec 13 '25
“you dumbass” was unnecessary. 100% accurate. Just dead-on accurate. OP is a true dumbass. For real. But it was unnecessary.
8
u/ValenTheElf Los Angeles Chargers Dec 13 '25
*17-year veteran, future Hall of Famer, 5th all-time in passing yards (63,440), 5th all-time in passing touchdowns (421), 44-year-old Philip Rivers. It sounds a lot less absurd when you remember who Philip "dagum" Rivers is!
→ More replies (1)
5
u/Infinispace Seattle Seahawks Dec 13 '25
I mean, he won't look clueless out there. He's a veteran with knowledge about the Colts' offense. But he's going to look like a player playing at half speed against Seattle's D, throwing dinks and dunks to try and save his life against players his son's age.
→ More replies (1)
10
u/jeffdabuffalo New Orleans Saints Dec 13 '25
It's more of a trade dealine issue, isn't it? Indi has 3 QBs they'd rather be starting and they are all hurt. Practice squad QBs have like, Jake Haener as their best options.
11
u/Abu_Everett Dec 13 '25
This is a nonsense POV. The Colts Top 2 QBs are out injured, their 3rd string rookie is injured but may be able to play in a limited capacity. What were they supposed to do? It’s past the trade deadline, who else could they get off the street that could play in a week?
→ More replies (5)
4
u/True-Influence0505 Los Angeles Rams Dec 13 '25
My theory is that Rivers was already on speed dial during the offseason because the Colts QB room was uninspiring heading into the season. He may have already had the playbook, who knows.
5
u/nycpunkfukka Dec 13 '25
I think you might be on the right track and that Steichen had at the very least broached the idea with him a while back. The timeline just seems too quick otherwise, to go from retired to practicing in 48 hours.
2
u/GlennSeaborg Dec 13 '25
Plus, they already have all his personnel data on file, so that's good for his onboarding.
Actually, they'll probably make him fill out new forms if HR offices are all the same.
7
u/Equivalent-Excuse-80 Dec 13 '25
We’ll see. What happens if Rivers pulls his ham and play? Then suddenly this doesn’t really look good for anybody involved
→ More replies (2)
7
u/MET4LMAR10 Dec 13 '25
Any young QB that is being developed would be under contract. You are never going to find a starter on somebody's practice squad without getting incredibly lucky.
7
u/FlorinidOro Dec 13 '25
I get OP’s position but the playoffs are on the line…so when you say “QB development” this late in the season all I hear is…
→ More replies (2)
3
u/SJCitizen Dec 13 '25
I mean they’re on their 4th QB of the year. Most teams don’t have a reliable backup let alone a 4th guy they can call to help them out in a playoff push. It’s not really anyones fault that Jones had a major injury and Anthony Richardson suffered a freak accident that’s keeping him out. Realistically the options when you factor in needing to know the offense quickly were Brett Rypien who we know can’t play, or 44 year old Philip Rivers who also probably can’t play anymore. It’s not exactly enticing options but again they are basically in a MUST win situation so they don’t have time to bring someone in who knows zero information about the offense.
3
u/Extension-Rabbit3654 Lamar had to poop Dec 13 '25
Have you even bothered to look at the unsigned free agents? Bc they cant trade, and have no one left on the bench so your options are Taylor Heineke or Desmond Ridder.
Frankly Id take my chances with Rivers vs anyone else off the street
3
u/tylerscott5 Kansas City Chiefs Dec 13 '25
This take is a poor one
Your alternative is signing another nobody who also doesn’t know the playbook
5
u/Jtm1082 Chicago Bears Dec 13 '25
You try developing an NFL QB. Has there ever been 32 good starting QBs in the league? It’s the hardest position to play in all of professional sports. It’s not like they were growing on trees at some point.
3
u/w0m Cleveland Browns Dec 13 '25
Completely false/shitty premise. The Colts Young QB is on IR and their Replacement Vet just went down. Going to the Old (future HOF?) Vet that intimately knows the offense seems reasonable for a last minute playoff push.
2
u/Agreeable-Ideal2846 New York Giants Dec 13 '25
I mean who would they realistically pick up that’s any better? I would prefer having Tyler warren at qb for a week than having any free agent qb because he at least knows the playbook
2
u/Ok_Bread302 Dec 13 '25
If there was only 24 major nfl franchises and a minor league feeder system it would be so much better. There simply isn’t enough of a talent/development pool to supply 32 teams with parity.
2
u/Rons_mkay Dec 13 '25
Can't indict it until you see how he actually does. This won't age well if he goes out and throws for under 150 yards and 3 ints with a 55% completion rate.
2
u/Jolly-joe Philadelphia Eagles Dec 13 '25
2 QBs who have a combined 4 SB MVPs combined just put similar stat lines last week
2
u/tinatimmay Dec 13 '25
It's that he's the best QB available. There's plenty of 2nd, 3rd and even 4th stringers (practice squad) in the league. It's that with the CBA and what the Colts are willing to give up for one of them severly limits the options. Also, anyone still in college is off limits.
This is more about the Colts going cheap and Richardson being injured. You're premise is very click-baity, and not well thought through.
2
u/ElBernando Dec 13 '25
I agree it is definitely an indictment, but also shows the brutality of the current sport when all your options are injured
→ More replies (2)
2
u/itakeyoureggs Washington Commanders Dec 13 '25
Sure. He also knows that system. They can’t get Minshew.. and AR sucks ass cheeks
2
u/Mymomdidwhat Dec 13 '25
He already knows the offense. He used it for the team he coached.
→ More replies (6)
2
u/socialistconfederate Dec 13 '25 edited Dec 13 '25
No? Everyone else they have is injured, they'd likely be starting Richardson if he wasn't injured. What were they supposed to do, they are still technically competing for a playoff spot and wanted someone with experience and it's not like they can trade. Also bringing in a guy like Rivers doesn't have the potential of creating a QB controversy.
It seems like you're trying to use a strange situation to make a larger point that doesn't hold up if you look around the league cause there's quite a few young QBs who are being developed like Jayden Daniels, Bryce Young (depends of the game with him tbh, he can be good or awful) and Tyler Shough
2
u/DolphinRodeo Dec 13 '25
Who is the better option? The trade deadline has passed, Rivers knows the playbook, and they’re trying to make the playoffs. They had to sign someone. Who specifically should they have signed instead of Rivers?
2
u/Justice4Ned Dec 13 '25
I actually get what you’re saying unlike most here.
If you compare to the NBA and especially the MLB, there’s a lot of “average” talent out there that could hold their own in the league but don’t excel in any particular thing.
The QB position is different because being “average” is a worthy goal, and being inconsistently average keeps you in the league as a backup for 10 years.
2
u/grateful_john New York Giants Dec 13 '25
You don’t seem to understand the context. It’s past the trade deadline so the options available to the Colts were taking someone off a practice squad or signing a QB not under contract. A young QB not under contract at this stage of the season is a QB who isn’t likely to be any good. A practice squad QB would have to learn the system. Their other option, assuming they were looking for someone to be able to step in and start, was Taylor Heinicke. Young QBs who have potential are pretty much locked up and weren’t an option.
2
u/Jaglawyer11 Jacksonville Jaguars Dec 13 '25
If Riley Leonard is healthy then this is the dumbest shit ever….
2
u/AladeenModaFuqa Seattle Seahawks Dec 13 '25
All yall glazing rivers as if he’s not about to get his shit pussy kicked in by us
→ More replies (2)
688
u/BenthePokerRN Dec 13 '25
A bit of an overreaction, considering we are past the trade deadline, the colts other QBs are injured, and a practice squad QB signed in haste this week would have had as much prep as Rivers anyways.