Colts teammates say Philip Rivers has 'already taken control of meetings'

After spending his entire career with the Chargers, Philip Rivers joined the Indianapolis Colts this offseason and even with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping teams apart, teammates say the veteran quarterback has already established himself as a leader on offense.

"I feel like I’ve got to know him," wide receiver T.Y. Hilton told ESPN. "I mean, he’s already taken control of meetings. So he’s asking questions, knowing the terminology. He’s been in this offense, just some things we’ve changed up with different names. So he’s just getting those things down, and once he gets those down, he’ll be ready to go."

It's not surprising to hear that Rivers has already taken control of meetings. The 38-year-old gunslinger has never been afraid to take control and was the clear face of the franchise during his time with the Chargers. But center Ryan Kelly says what will really help teammates get to know their new quarterback will be getting on the field with him.

"Obviously, Phil has a very different verbal cadence than what I’m used to, but that’s football, man," Kelly said. "That’s the way it is. We’re getting paid as professionals to figure it out. There are going to be some learning curves for sure, but as soon as we can get out on the field or even if it’s just Phil and I sitting down and running through a few things, I think it’s really going to help out."

One of the biggest advantages Rivers has joining the Colts is his relationship with head coach Frank Reich, who was the offensive coordinator of the Chargers for several years. Reich says Rivers' impact has already been felt this offseason, as he's helped the offense develop by adding his perspective.

"When we get into the quarterback room, that is where Philip has already had an impact in that room -- a few suggestions, a few lingo things there, a few terminology things," Reich said. "... He’s got some good insight. There have been several - I can’t think of one off the top of my head - times where we’ve just gone to him and said, ‘Hey, just tell us how you want this. How do you see this? Are you good with this or do you want to call it something different? Do you want to look at it a different way?’ So that interaction is normal, and he is great at that stuff."