Cleveland Browns: 3 reasons why the Colts will be a real test for Browns

Phillip Rivers can still play

Sure, Phillip Rivers isn’t what he once was. His arm isn’t able to get the ball into those deep corner pockets downfield. That’s ok because he’s still sickeningly accurate. Against the Browns and it’s secondary, he could look like an elite quarterback once again. The Colts are going to need him to as well because that offense is really lacking some serious talent. Their rushing game is devoid of play-making threats and rookie Johnathan Taylor has been bad to start the season, with a sub 4.0 yard per carry.

T.Y. Hilton is a good threat, make no mistake about it, but if you had your pick of top-play wide receivers, would Hilton even be in the top 20, or 30? No, this offense is powered by Rivers’ accuracy and he’ll need to be just that because the Browns intend on testing this top-ranked defense. So they’ll need to score points.

Rivers has completed just shy of 73% of his passes on the year and has thrown four touchdowns, not his best season so far but he’s certainly not been the issue when it comes to moving the chains. The problem that Rivers faces is the need to be perfect to help make up for the rest of the Colts offense. Just one turnover for the day from him could ruin their chances to win. Rivers is under a lot of pressure to perform because that supporting cast in Los Angeles didn’t come with him, which explains why he’s thrown three picks so far.

Granted three picks aren’t a lot through four games, but it’s also not great.