Philip Rivers’ Pocket Escape Draws Chuckles From Troy Aikman on MNF

Troy Aikman couldn't contain himself from laughing at Philip Rivers using his feet under duress from 49ers blitz.

Philip Rivers’ Pocket Escape Draws Chuckles From Troy Aikman on MNF

Philip Rivers and Troy Aikman (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Philip Rivers made his name in the NFL because of his exceptional arm talent and game-reading skills. Rivers hardly ever made much effort to use his feet. However, he had to take evasive action when the San Francisco 49ers blitzed him in the second quarter on Monday Night Football.

The Indianapolis Colts trailed by seven points after Brock Purdy found George Kittle for a touchdown (Eddy Pineiro extra point). Rivers took a sack on the ensuing drive, and to avoid a repeat, he took off with the ball.

The 44-year-old awkwardly shuffled to the left before completing a pass to Michael Pittman Jr. Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who covered the Monday Night game alongside Joe Buck, appeared amused by Rivers’s running style.

It made me trying to watch him get out of that pocket. I mean, Rivers was never really known for [his running]… You know he’s checking his backseat, checking his rearview mirror to make sure nobody is tailgating him.

Troy Aikman chuckled

Pittman didn’t get very far as the Niners’ defenders stopped him before a first down. It was fourth down, and the Colts punted the ball away.

How did Philip Rivers perform against the Niners?

The Colts desperately needed to win a game after losing four on the trot. The Niners, on the other hand, had won their last four and were the firm favorites to make it five in a row.

Philip Rivers’ Pocket Escape Draws Chuckles From Troy Aikman on MNF
Philip Rivers (Image via IMAGO)

However, Rivers spoiled the mood early on with a touchdown to Alec Pierce. The Rivers-Pierce combination delivered the Colts’ second score in the second quarter. Kicker Blake Grupe scored two field goals (39 & 51 yards) before running back Jonathan Taylor added a one-yard score on the ground.

Rivers finished with a respectable 23 completions from 35 attempts for 277 yards and two touchdowns. However, the day ended on a disappointing note for the Colts. Dee Winters intercepted Rivers’ pass and scored a pick-six to end the Colts’ challenge.

Rivers, since becoming the Colts QB1, has completed 66.1% of his passes for 397 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. The veteran un-retired after the Colts lost their starter, Daniel Jones, to a season-ending Achilles tear. Jones was 8-5 as the starter.

Brock Purdy spoils the Colts’ season

The Niners had Brock Purdy to thank for keeping them in the contest. After the Colts opened the scoring, Purdy threw back-to-back touchdown passes to Demarcus Robinson and Christian McCaffrey.

Purdy threw his third of the game to George Kittle in the second quarter. Jauan Jennings helped Purdy rack his fourth, and the fourth-year signal caller added a fifth, and McCaffrey’s second in the final quarter.

Unfortunately, there was a slight blemish in his record toward the end. A minute before Rivers’ INT, Purdy was picked off by the Colts’ Cam Bynum. Purdy finished with 25 completions (73%), 306 total yards, 5 touchdowns, and one pick.

The Niners won 48-27 and clinched a playoff spot, leaving the Colts with just 3% chance of playing January football. In the final two games, they face the already qualified 11-4 Jacksonville Jaguars and the fourth seed, 10-4 Houston Texans. They must defeat both of them and pray that the Pittsburgh Steelers lose their last two.

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