Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck will be NFL’s best quarterback in 2019
Coming off an excellent 2018 campaign, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is poised to elevate his game to being the NFL’s top signal-caller.
With the first pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts took the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning. We all know the name by now: Andrew Luck.
Throughout his seven-year career, Luck has amazed, astounded and occasionally frustrated the Colts’ fanbase. However, following a resurgent and excellent 2018 campaign, Luck has once again returned to his place among the upper echelon of starting NFL signal callers.
Even though he’s currently dealing with a lingering calf strain, there is plenty of optimism that Luck will continue to excel and lead the Colts back to the playoffs this season. However, I think he will take another step forward this season and become what his potential suggests he can be: the best quarterback in the NFL.
Here are three reasons why Luck will elevate to that status in the 2019 season.
3. He has a great offensive skill group around him
In addition to top target T.Y Hilton, who turned in another great season for 76 catches, 1,270 yards and six touchdowns last season, Luck has rookie third rounder Parris Campbell, sophomore Deon Cain looking to make a strong impact after missing his rookie season with a torn ACL, free-agent signing Devin Funchess and fourth year man Chester Rogers.
At tight end, steady veteran Jack Doyle and Pro Bowler Eric Ebron return. Ebron set career highs in receptions (66), yards (750) and touchdowns (13) during his first year in Indianapolis.
At running back, Luck has an emerging set of young backs. Third year man Marlon Mack leads the committee. During his second season, Mack almost broke the 1,000 yard plateau (he finished with 908 yards) and scored nine touchdowns on the ground. He is the running back that Luck has needed his entire career and brings balance to the Colts’ offensive attack.
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Second-year back Nyheim Hines and veteran Spencer Ware bring balance and versatility behind Mack, as well.
2. Luck now has one of the best offensive lines in the league
The starting offensive line of left tackle Anthony Castonzo, left guard Quenton Nelson, center Ryan Kelly, right guard Mark Glowinski and right tackle Braden Smith is a top-five offensive line that excels in both the run and pass games.
Early in his career, Luck only had an above average tackle in Castonzo. However, since taking over as general manger three years ago, Chris Ballard has made the Colts offensive line one of his top priorities. He invested first round picks into Kelly and Nelson, and a second rounder on Smith. After the 2018 season, Nelson was named a First Team All-Pro player as a rookie.
Furthermore, this line is built to execute not only Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni’s offense to perfection, but also keeps Luck clean and protected. In order for this attack to fire on all cylinders, this unit has to be at its best. More often than not, it is exactly that.
1. He has mastered one of the league’s best offensive attacks
During his sterling comeback campaign, Luck threw for over 4,500 yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He earned the fourth Pro Bowl nod of his career, won the Comeback Player of the Year award from both the Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers of America and led the Colts to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Not a bad year after missing over a whole season due to shoulder surgery.
As the season progressed, you could sense more and more that Luck was gaining both comfort and mastery in Reich’s system. Adapted from schemes of Kansas City coach Andy Reid and Philadelphia’s Doug Pederson, as well as a few others, Reich’s attack is fun to watch and hard to defend against.
Much like the best offenses in the league, it adapts on a week to week basis to attack opposing defenses. RPOs (Run/Pass Options), gap-orientated and zone rushing schemes and short, quick passes are trademarks of the Indy attack.
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Reich is a great play caller, but Luck is the key. He is the one that makes the offense fly. His football IQ is extremely high, and Reich has placed enough trust in his quarterback for Luck to have the offense in perfect position the majority of the time. After being stuck in an offense that limited his abilities for six seasons, Luck is finally poised to become the league’s best quarterback.