Brian Spurlock – USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts have a quarterback who can get them to the Super Bowl in Andrew Luck. Everyone has been calling Luck the next great quarterback although he does not have a Super Bowl appearance or MVP award yet. This is an important season for Luck, because he has the supporting weapons around him for a MVP season.
Luck is coming into his fourth year in the NFL. He led all quarterbacks with 40 passing touchdowns last season. He also threw for 4,761 passing yards and completed 61.2 percent of his passes. Luck has proven he can carry a team and win football games. He has gradually improved every season he has played, and it should be no different this season with the weapons the Colts have provided for him.
The Colts still have speed receivers like T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief. However, they added four-time Pro Bowl wideout Andre Johnson in the offseason. They also signed receivers Duron Carter and Vincent Brown. Altogether, the Colts have compiled the deepest receiving group in the NFL. Luck will have a lot of passing windows to throw into, because these receivers know how to get open. The good news for the Colts is that the receivers are not the only passing options.
The Colts also have two very talented tight ends. Dwayne Allen has been a big target for Luck in the middle of the field, and Coby Fleener presents matchup problems because he can line up as a receiver. The Colts can play with multiple combinations involving their tight ends and receivers. With all of the passing options, it is almost a guarantee that Luck will find an open receiver or tight end on every passing play.
The one issue with Luck is he is somewhat turnover prone. He committed 26 turnovers in 19 games (regular season and playoff games). He took risks and threw under duress a lot last season, but he will not force the ball as much and the pass protection will be better this season.
Luck has been one of the most pressured and hit quarterbacks since 2012. It helps that he is also one of the more mobile quarterbacks in the NFL. This year, the entire offensive line will come into training camp healthy, and the Colts have also added running back Frank Gore. He should take pressure off Luck because he is an exceptional pass blocker. The pocket should be a lot cleaner which is a nightmare for the rest of the NFL.
The Colts are in a great position going into camp. They have a healthy offensive line, they have solidified the running back position and they have given Luck a plethora of passing options. The offense is set up perfectly for Luck to succeed. Luck will have another stellar season, but if he utilizes all of his options, the Colts may be holding the Lombardi trophy at the end of the season.
