MVP Candidates Watch List: The Top 7 and Their Routes To The Award
By Daniel
Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) motions at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
7. Andrew Luck, QB – Indianapolis:
Stat Line: 19 touchdown passes, 7 interceptions, 2,331 passing yards, 100.5 rating, 4 rushing touchdowns
The Colts’ third-year quarterback is putting together the most dynamic season of his young career in 2014. He’s scored a total of 23 touchdowns, but has thrown for seven interceptions (tied for third-most in the NFL). Although, he is averaging 14 more passing yards per game (333) than the next closest quarterback — Drew Brees. Luck has shed his image as a young quarterback as he shows pretty much nothing but poise during games. He always keeps the Colts in contests and he has the trust of his teammates.
Despite his numerous interceptions, he’s thrown for five touchdowns and only one pick over the last two weeks. Maybe he’s beginning to take his game to the next level. Luck has his team riding a five-game winning streak and he’s thrown for over 300 yards in six of his seven games in 2014. The city of Indianapolis isn’t missing one of the all-time great quarterbacks. That’s all you need to know about how great Luck has been.
He’s not playing quite as polished football as the other quarterbacks that made this list, but he’s gritty and he continually does what it takes to win. Those attributes have him in the MVP discussion, even if he’s somewhat of a long-shot at this point. If the Colts keep winning though, he’ll be harder to ignore. Indianapolis’ schedule does soften up a bit in November, so look for his numbers to only get better as the year rolls on. He’s currently tied with Peyton Manning with a league-leading 19 touchdown passes.