Reich: Colts studied Brady, but Rivers is better fit

The Indianapolis Colts have renewed hope for 2020 after signing quarterback Philip Rivers, a move that excites head coach Frank Reich.

"This was a crazy, unique opportunity," Reich said Tuesday, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. "Philip, I think, is a Hall of Fame quarterback."

"(We) went back and watched his play from the past two years and didn't see any physical drop-off," continued Reich, who previously worked with Rivers as the Chargers' quarterbacks coach (2013) and offensive coordinator (2014-15).

The Colts were also rumored as a possible destination for Tom Brady, but they eventually decided Rivers is a better "fit" for the team.

Brady impressed Reich too after the coach watched all the signal-caller's plays over the last two seasons. The six-time Super Bowl champion signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

"We know he's the best of all time for a reason," Reich said. "Don't understand how he's doing it (at his age)."

Adding Rivers pushes Jacoby Brissett down the depth chart as he returns to a backup role in 2020.

"Obviously (Brissett) wasn’t happy," Reich said. "But he's a good teammate and will handle it."

Though Brissett isn't Indianapolis' starting QB anymore, Reich said he's open to using the 27-year-old on specific plays.

The Colts signed Rivers to a one-year, $25-million contract. The 38-year-old, who led the Chargers to a 5-11 record in 2019, is coming off one of his worst seasons after tossing 20 interceptions with only 23 touchdown passes.

Brissett, meanwhile, started 15 games for the Colts last season following Andrew Luck's shocking retirement. He managed seven wins while amassing 2,942 passing yards and 18 touchdowns against six interceptions. Brissett also recorded four scores on the ground and lost five fumbles.