Indianapolis Colts: Who will be key to Andrew Luck’s revival?

Andrew Luck’s comeback trail with the Indianapolis Colts beckons as one of the enthralling storylines of the 2018 NFL season.

Unfazed confidence in a man that hasn’t played a regular season game since 2016 epitomises the impression he left on the league prior to his shoulder injury. Andrew Luck, the Indianapolis Colts’ franchise quarterback, will take a meaningful stride in his rehabilitation when he starts in Sunday’s 2018 opener against the Cincinnati Bengals after a near 20-month layoff.

Regardless of his injury woes, there remains a feeling that the same Luck that led the league with 40 touchdown passes in 2014 is still there to hoist the Colts back into post-season contention over the coming years. An undeniably gruelling route to rediscovering his top form starts with looming questions over his basic mechanics following a complete reconstruction of his shoulder.

Those that have monitored his progress in training camp will insist the arm strength is still there. That question will begin to be answered in full view on Sunday.

"Opening up on his recovery, Luck told ESPN: “I feel like I’m in great shape, feel like I can make all the throws I need. I like to think I can keep improving as a quarterback. Improving as a football player, improving as an athlete.”"

Every good quarterback needs his elite supporting acts. Luck perhaps need them more than any other signal-caller in the league. It has proven increasingly difficult not to flinch at the sight of the pocket collapsing on Luck over recent seasons.

A frightening lack of protection from his offensive line has equated to 156 career sacks and a hellish effort to evade a familiar battering from pass rushers. Enhanced blocking isn’t just vital to unlocking the genius best of Luck, but also to prolonging his career.

Veteran left tackle Anthony Castonzo will serve as his quarterback’s head body guard throughout the season. The 30-year old has struggled with a hamstring injury throughout the summer and has been listed as questionable for Week 1. The sooner he is back on the field, the safer Luck becomes.

Beside Castonzo, first-round pick Quenton Nelson will be a welcomed addition at left-guard as a means of bolstering Luck’s blind-side security. Nelson could prove key in helping Luck enjoy a smooth re-introduction as he is tasked with thwarting the threat of a Geno Atkins that has registered 58 sacks at defensive tackle since becoming starter in 2011.

Luck’s success will partially be reliant on re-establishing his understanding with primary receiving target T.Y. Hilton. If camp is anything to go off, the pair look in good shape to pick up where they left off as one of the NFL’s most fearsome quarterback/wide receiver duos. Hilton’s ability as a threat downfield will be an intriguing test of the timing and power those outside of the Colts are waiting to examine from Luck.

The beauty to their relationship is an anticipation on Luck’s part to find Hilton even if his route deviates, and seemingly vice-versa. After being drafted in 2012 as outright support for no.1 overall pick Luck, Hilton has made four Pro Bowl appearances and also led the league with 1,448 receiving yards in 2016.

While the link between the pair is known across the league, what won’t be so hard to detect is their usage in head coach Frank Reich’s new offensive setup.

As alluded to, coach Reich’s arrival teases a fresh approach to aid Luck in his bid to find some rhythm. The work of Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to implement Blake Bortles-friendly play calls last season demonstrated the importance of a scheme accounting for a quarterback’s strengths and limitations.

Adopting a predominantly conservative approach and dodging risky passes saw Bortles lead his side to within touching distance of a Super Bowl showdown.

Both Reich and Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni could follow suit in easing Luck in as they learn more about what he is capable of. It’s one thing praising performances in camp, but there’s nothing quite comparable to the competitiveness or intensity of a regular season contest.

While Hilton is likely to be deployed across all areas of the field, the onus will also be on tight ends Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle to offer reliability in short passing drives. The Colts may not be playoff contenders, but they are a team well worth watching this season — even if just for one man.