The Andrew
Luck era has been a total success thus far in Indianapolis. The Colts are now
19-10 under Luck in two seasons, and have clinched their division already.
The Colts
and their fans should be pleased to have this much success early in the Luck
era. After a 2-14 season without Peyton Manning, the Colts went out and
selected Luck, first overall from Stanford. Few people expected the Colts to do
anything, including make the playoffs last year.
In his
rookie season, Luck led a team that had gaping holes on both sides of the ball
to an 11-5 record and a wild card spot. This season, Luck and the Colts have
defeated three top NFL teams, Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle. After sitting
at 6-2, the Colts have dropped three of their last five, leading to a cause for
concern from most Colts fans.
Before
jumping to criticize the front office, the coaching, or even the team’s star
QB, you have to look at things from a different perspective. Indianapolis was
the worst team in football two seasons ago. During a crazy season last year,
fueled by the story of head coach Chuck Pagano’s leukemia recovery,
Indianapolis was starting six rookies on offense at one point in the season.
The Colts
were getting out of this world production from WR LaVon Brazill, a 6th
round pick, and WR T.Y. Hilton, a 3rd
round pick. Tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener were successful rookies.
Additionally, due to injury and lack of production from starters, the Colts
were starting RB Vick Ballard, yet another rookie alongside Luck.
This
season, the story has been injuries. The Colts are down reliable veteran and
team leader, Reggie Wayne. Dwayne Allen and Vick Ballard are out for the
season. Continuing, the Colts are playing without free agent Ahmad Bradshaw and
LG Donald Thomas. Right now, the Colts are missing so many offensive weapons,
it would be challenging for any team to be successful on the offensive side of
the ball.
Looking
ahead, the currently 8-5 Colts appear to be in trouble. They will most likely
finish with 10 or 11 wins, which should get them the four seed in the AFC. This
sets up a first round game with Kansas City at home. A win there sets up a road
game at Denver or New England.
The Colts
may not win a playoff game this season. However, before anyone jumps on head
coach Chuck Pagano, offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, or QB Andrew Luck, do
not forget that this very young Colts team has been decimated by injuries all
over the field. In the future, the Colts will be a force to be reckoned with,
once they fill some holes on the offensive line, get everyone healthy, and
mature as a football team.
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