Colts Playing It Safe with Philip Rivers - But Can Caution Carry Them to the Playoffs?
INDIANAPOLIS - Shane Steichen has built a reputation as an aggressive play-caller - the kind of coach who isn’t afraid to go for it on fourth down, dial up a deep shot on third-and-short, or lean into tempo to keep defenses off balance. But on Sunday in Seattle, that bold persona took a backseat.
With 44-year-old Philip Rivers under center - making his first NFL start in five years - Steichen didn’t just tap the brakes. He slammed them.
The Colts leaned into a conservative, run-heavy game plan, pairing it with quick, short throws designed to protect both the quarterback and the ball. And for a while, it worked.
But “almost” doesn’t count in December, especially for a team fighting for its postseason life. The Colts’ 18-16 loss to the Seahawks marked their fourth straight defeat and dropped them to 8-6 - now sitting just outside the AFC playoff picture with three games to go.
Now comes the big question: Can the Colts afford to keep playing this safe?
Rivers Returns - and Plays the Role Asked of Him
Let’s be clear - Rivers didn’t look out of place. In fact, considering the circumstances, he did exactly what was asked. He managed the game, stayed poised in a hostile environment, and gave the Colts a chance to win on the road.
“Philip did a hell of a job managing that game plan,” Steichen said Monday. “First one back in a long time, and he did what was necessary to put us in position to win.”
But the Colts didn’t bring Rivers out of retirement to hand the ball off and throw checkdowns. They brought him back to help rescue a season that’s slipping away. And with three playoff-caliber defenses left on the schedule - starting with the 10-3 San Francisco 49ers on Monday night - Indy is going to need more than safe throws and clock control.
Steichen hinted that the approach could change moving forward, though he kept the details close to the vest.
“This week’s a new challenge, a new opportunity,” he said. “Obviously, the game plan will switch on how we have to try to win the game.”
The Bigger Problem: Can the O-Line Hold Up?
Even if the Colts want to open up the offense, there’s a real question about whether they can protect Rivers long enough to do it. Right tackle Braden Smith is already on injured reserve, and left tackle Bernhard Raimann exited Sunday’s game with an elbow injury. That’s not ideal when your quarterback is 44 and hasn’t taken a live snap in half a decade.
And while Rivers still has the mental sharpness and quick release that defined his career, he’s not escaping pressure with his legs. If the offensive line can’t hold up, the Colts may not have the luxury of pushing the ball downfield - no matter how much they’d like to.
What’s Working: Run Defense Still Holding Strong
If there’s a silver lining to Sunday’s loss, it’s the Colts’ defense - especially against the run. Seattle managed just 50 yards on 22 carries, and the Colts held the Seahawks out of the end zone entirely, forcing six field goals. That kind of performance should be enough to win most games.
The defense gave the offense every opportunity to steal one on the road. But once again, the offense couldn’t finish the job.
What Needs Fixing: Red-Zone Efficiency
Early in the season, the Colts were one of the league’s best red-zone teams. Lately, that strength has turned into a glaring weakness. During this four-game skid, Indy has converted just 7 of 13 red-zone trips into touchdowns - and three of those losses came by four points or fewer.
Against Seattle, the Colts made it inside the 20-yard line just once. That’s not going to cut it in December, especially with playoff positioning on the line.
Stock Up: Jalen Travis Steps In, Steps Up
With Braden Smith sidelined, rookie right tackle Jalen Travis got his first career start - and he didn’t look overwhelmed. The fourth-round pick held his own against one of the NFL’s top defensive fronts. Rivers was pressured at times, especially in the second half, but Travis showed enough poise and power to make a case for a starting role next season, especially if Smith hits free agency.
Stock Down: Tyler Warren’s Production Slipping
Tight end Tyler Warren has been one of the Colts’ breakout stars this season, setting the franchise record for receptions by a rookie at his position. But over the last four games, his impact has cooled off. Just 13 catches for 101 yards and one touchdown during that stretch - a far cry from the playmaker he was earlier in the year.
Warren’s versatility and route-running have been major assets, but the Colts need him to re-emerge as a reliable target, especially if Rivers is going to be asked to throw more.
Injury Watch: Waiting on Key Pieces
The Colts came out of Sunday’s game relatively healthy, aside from Raimann’s elbow injury. But reinforcements could be on the way. Two-time All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner (calf) and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) are both candidates to return soon, possibly even in time for Monday night.
And there’s a glimmer of hope at quarterback, too - Anthony Richardson has begun physical activity after suffering a fractured orbital bone. His 21-day window for a potential return could open this week, though it remains to be seen how quickly he can ramp up.
The Path Ahead: Must-Win Territory
The Colts are now the No. 8 seed in the AFC - just outside the playoff cut. After starting 7-2, they’ve lost four straight and are in real danger of missing the postseason for the fifth consecutive year.
The math is simple: Indy probably needs to win at least two of its final three games to have a shot at the playoffs. But the schedule is anything but forgiving. After hosting the 49ers, they’ll welcome division-leading Jacksonville on a short Christmas week, then finish the season on the road in Houston - another playoff contender.
The Colts still have a chance. But they’ll need more than a safe game plan and a feel-good comeback story at quarterback to get there. If Rivers has anything left in that right arm - and if the offensive line can give him time - Indy might just have one more run in them.