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The 2012 NFL season was one of inspiration and success for the Indianapolis Colts as they went 11-5 to make the playoffs. As the 2013 season creeps closer and closer, there are questions to be asked about what will happen this season with Andrew Luck. Will Luck suffer through a sophomore slump or can he continue doing what he did all last season? The sophomore slump is more likely in my opinion.
The loss of Bruce Arians as the team’s offensive coordinator is going to hurt Luck more than people may imagine. He is going to be on his third offensive coordinator in the last three years, and there will be an adjustment period. I know that Luck came right in and threw for 4,374 yards last season, but the schedule is tougher this season in my opinion. The Colts won 11 games last year, but just glancing at their 2013 schedule makes me believe that Indianapolis is looking at a 9-7 year. I don’t think that will be enough to make the playoffs again. If they do finish that way, it would likely mean that Luck’s numbers were down.
I know that the ability is there and Luck still has Reggie Wayne to throw to, but I’m not sure how much I trust the running game. I fear that Luck will need to throw the ball even more than the 627 times he passed last year. I really don’t like those odds, and fans should expect a season where Luck passes for maybe 3,700 yards and 15-20 touchdowns. It won’t be a huge drop-off ,but it will be enough for the Colts to miss the playoffs.
Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.
