2015 NFL Playoffs: top 10 performers of the Divisional Round
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Unlike Aaron Rodgers’ performance on Sunday, Andrew Luck’s box score cannot be used to gauge how well he played. Take a look at Luck’s numbers against Denver: 27 for 43 (62.8 percent), 265 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 76.2. Those seem like mediocre numbers, right? Wrong.
Both interceptions Luck threw were deep throws down the field on third down. He threw both passes into a crowd of defenders and both were picked off. But here’s the thing: instead of throwing the ball away on third down, he decided to at least give his receivers a chance. By throwing the ball far down the field, those interceptions had the same function as punts – so those picks were actually good decisions. They are still counted as interceptions, but the numbers are misleading.
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If those two picks are counted as incompletions instead (as they did essentially serve as punts), Luck’s passer rating jumps all the way up to 96 (previously 76). Having said all that, Luck had another excellent game. Both T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks dropped a few passes, but Luck was able to move the offense down the field. It’s fun to watch Luck perform – his pocket presence is off the charts. With the way Luck and the Colts’ defense have been playing, the AFC title game could be closer than most anticipate.
Luck has been the best overall quarterback in the postseason so far and was the second best player overall on Saturday and Sunday.
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