Philip Rivers, once Almost a 49er, Now Stands in Their Playoff Path
SANTA CLARA – Philip Rivers was almost a 49er and had what will likely be a Hall of Fame career launched in part by the 49ers’ general manager.
Now at 44 years old, Rivers is tasked with trying to save the Indianapolis Colts’ season as well as delay the 49ers’ guaranteed entry into the NFL postseason.
Having not played as 2020, Rivers was called out of retirement after coaching high school football in Alabama for four years after Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones ruptured his right Achilles in a Week 14 loss to Jacksonville.
With the Colts playing it safe against a tough Seattle defense, Rivers had the Colts in position to win with 47 seconds to play after a 60-yard field goal by Blake Grupe.Sam Darnold, however, got Seattle quickly in position for a game-winning 56-yard field goal by Jason Myers with 18 seconds left.
Rivers was 18-for-27 for 120 yards, an 8-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs and an interception.Reviews of his plays were unkind. The 49ers will prepare as if they’re seeing rivers in his prime as opposed to a father of 10 with a grandchild.
“It’s insane to be able to cold-turkey it and come back five years later, complete passes and go through an offense and compete and have his team in position to win games,” 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy said Friday.
Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers head coach, said he hasn’t seen a lot of slippage.
“He is a little bit older, so he might not be quite as fast, might not be able to throw it the same distance he used to, but I see a guy who knows how to play the position as good as anyone,” Shanahan said. He had 27 throws and every ball goes right to the exact spot. He played against a good pass rush and was able to get rid of the ball. He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever watch he definitely helped that team.”
There was a scenario where Rivers coudl have been the quarterback for the 49ers in 2022. After Trey Lance (ankle) and Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) went down for the season, the 49ers were left with Purdy, the last pick of the NFL Draft.
Purdy instantly responded by leading the 49ers past the dolphins, but not before general manager John Lynch put in a call to Rivers and put him in touch with Shanahan. Shanahan told him they felt pretty good about Purdy but couldn’t be sure which way the season would go. Rivers even began looking in on offensive meetings on zoom just in case.
“He was staying with it just in case it was needed and in case something changed,” Shanahan said.”He was always in there, but no one realy knew.”
Purdy, of course, led the 49ers all the way to the NFC Championship Game before his right elbow was shredded in the first quarter. the 49ers lost 31-7. If they had somehow had won, Rivers likely would have been the 49ers’ quarterback in the Super bowl.
Rivers felt good about his comeback game against Seattle when talking to local reporters.
“I didn’t feel like it was too different,” Rivers said.”It truly seems like defenses are better as far as disguises go. Personally, it was encouraging, but the name of the game is winning. Now we have to move past that one.”
At 6-foot-5,228 pounds (maybe a little more now),Rivers has never been a prototypical quarterback. He’s got an elongated release and a so-s
49ers Focus on Indianapolis Despite Seahawks’ Help, Injury Updates
The San Francisco 49ers are maintaining their focus on the Indianapolis Colts despite a crucial 38-37 win by the Seattle Seahawks, which has put them in contention for the NFC’s no. 1 seed. Players acknowledge the Seahawks’ victory, but their immediate attention is on securing their own path to the playoffs.
“Now we’re able to compete for that No. 1 seed and then everything has to come through Santa Clara,” cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said, referencing the potential for home-field advantage. https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/49ers-brock-purdy-seahawks-win-indianapolis-colts-nfl-playoffs-no-1-seed/1653999/
The win was particularly notable for the contributions of two former 49ers: quarterback Sam Darnold and tight end Eric Saubert, who connected on the game-winning 2-point conversion in overtime.
“It was pretty cool for them to finish the game the way they did, and knowing Sam and Sauby was cool, seeing him take off his helmet and celebrate,” quarterback Brock Purdy said. “It’s good for them but we still have to take care of our business this week.” https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/49ers-brock-purdy-seahawks-win-indianapolis-colts-nfl-playoffs-no-1-seed/1653999/
The Lynch Connection & rivers’ Return
Purdy also expressed his surprise at the potential return of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to the Indianapolis Colts after a five-year absence. He called the prospect “insane,” highlighting the difficulty of returning to professional football after such a long break. https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/49ers-brock-purdy-seahawks-win-indianapolis-colts-nfl-playoffs-no-1-seed/1653999/
The discussion around Rivers led to a reflection on the impact of former 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Lynch,who played a role in the careers of both Rivers and Drew Brees. Lynch’s coaching helped facilitate a combined 131,570 passing yards and 913 touchdowns for the two quarterbacks, ultimately leading to both being considered likely Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees.
Notably, Lynch was involved in a pivotal moment that shaped both quarterbacks’ careers. During a 2005 game between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos, Lynch’s blitz resulted in a shoulder dislocation for brees, creating an possibility for Rivers to make his debut. The Chargers ultimately moved forward with Rivers, while Brees later found success with the new Orleans Saints. Lynch has jokingly reminded both quarterbacks of this event over the years. https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/49ers-brock-purdy-seahawks-win-indianapolis-colts-nfl-playoffs-no-1-seed/1653999/
Injury Report
The 49ers released an injury report ahead of their game against Indianapolis. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) and linebacker Nick Martin (concussion) did not participate
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