Andrew Luck: Indianapolis Colts’ QB loses elite status
By Evan Massey
The Indianapolis Colts saw quarterback Andrew Luck lose his “elite” status against the New England Patriots.
Andrew Luck took major steps forward during the 2014 regular season and into the playoffs, but against the New England Patriots he looked like he was a rookie again. He ended up throwing for just 126 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Luck also completed just 12 of his 33 passing attempts.
It was an embarrassing game to say the very least, and it cost him the “elite” title that many were beginning to give him up until that point.
Throughout the regular season, Luck led the Colts to being the number one passing offense in the NFL. He threw for 4,761 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Those numbers were good enough for many to call him the next “elite” quarterback in the NFL, but after his embarrassment against the Patriots that title has been lost and thrown out the window.
What made his 2014 campaign good enough to give him the elite status that many were beginning to give him?
Quite simply, his poise and decision-making were the biggest reasons. He still ended up throwing 16 interceptions, but that is a side-effect of the offense that Pep Hamilton runs in Indianapolis. Luck made better decisions with the football, and he didn’t seem to force the football into the defense as much.
Obviously the turnovers are still an issue, and that was seen in full effect against the Patriots. Luck’s decision-making reverted right back to where it was the past two seasons, and he had no poise at all. He will need to figure out how to play consistent football at a high level before he works his way back into the elite group of quarterbacks.
"Andrew Luck had never played a full 60 minutes and been held to 7 points in his NFL career. Also had his worst-ever passer rating (23.0). — Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 19, 2015"
Ian Wharton made an interesting comment on Twitter as well, about Luck playing in the AFC South being a major advantage for him over other young quarterbacks.
"Yes, Andrew Luck elevates the Colts’ average roster, but the division they play in is a big factor for their success too. Can’t ignore it — Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) January 19, 2015"
Playing in the AFC South is an easy task, as Luck has faced the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans twice per season. All three of those teams are poor teams outside of the Texans this season to a point, but it has helped him have the success that he has had.
There is absolutely no question that Luck possesses the talent to be in the top category of NFL quarterbacks. He has the arm and athleticism, and has won some big games throughout his career. Indianapolis has taken a step forward in each of his three NFL seasons, and he is just starting to break into his potential.
If he truly does want to become an “elite” quarterback, he has to figure out how to knock off the best teams in the NFL. Defeating the Denver Broncos was his biggest win to this point in his career, but he can’t back that type of performance up with a dud against another top team.
Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees are currently the four elite quarterbacks in the NFL, although Brees nearly played himself out of that spot this season.
Luck is nowhere near those four quarterbacks, but will get there in the future if he continues to work hard on his game. He needs to be more careful with the football, and part of that is dependent on whether or not the Colts decide to build a running game around him. If not, then Hamilton will continue putting the football in Luck’s hands more than any quarterback should have to throw the football.
Indianapolis had an impressive season with Luck leading the way, but they need to see more improvement from him in order to make the leap into the Super Bowl. They are going to be playoff contenders nearly every season with Luck under center, but they aren’t going to win a Super Bowl with him unless he makes the improvements to his game.
That being said, Luck does have a work ethic that not many football players can rival. He is going to do everything in his power to become the superstar elite quarterback that his team needs him to be. At this point in time, however, that title has been taken away from him and he will have to work hard to regain it next year.