Colts Defense Figures to Have Hands Full Facing Chargers Nemesis Philip Rivers

A longtime Indianapolis Colts nemesis is set to face the franchise on Sunday, as San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers stands firmly in the way of the team’s first win of the season.

The Indianapolis Colts still banged up secondary figures to have their hands with San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers coming to town.

As a 5x Pro Bowler, the 34 year old quarterback remains one of the league’s best quarterbacks and is fresh off a 4 touchdown performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars defense just a week ago.

Sep 28, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) yells at an official during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Not to mention, Rivers has been a serious thorn for the Colts franchise in their recent past, as the former 2004 4th overall pick of the Chargers has a 5-1 career record against Indianapolis including orchestrating two season-ending playoff losses in 2007 and 2008 respectively (not to bring up some bad memories).

As such, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano knows that stopping Rivers presents a tall task for his defense:

When asked specifically of what sticks out regarding Rivers, Pagano didn’t hesitate to mention his pre-snap recognition of the opposing defense’s play-calling and coverage:

However, despite starting his 13th NFL season, Rivers hasn’t lost much zip on his throws–having always been known to throw a great deep ball and remains plenty athletic at the position at a burly 6’5″, 228 pounds:

Of course, while no one likes to see anyone hurt, the positive news for the Colts secondary is that the Chargers will be without two of Rivers’ key weapons as go-to wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the opener and All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates has yet to practice all week battling a hamstring injury–looking unlikely to play on Sunday.

Perhaps more importantly, the Colts could be getting key members of their secondary back, as starting cornerbacks Vontae Davis (ankle) and Patrick Robinson (concussion), as well as safeties Clayton Geathers (foot) and T.J. Green (knee) have been able to practice at least on a limited basis this week.

The Colts could use the extra help–and all the help they can get for that matter, as Rivers presents a major challenge just like old times–just like always.