Indianapolis Colts hint at limited use of QB Andrew Luck in preseason opener – NFL News
Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck is likely to be given about 20 to 25 plays in the team’s preseason opener against the St. Louis Rams but exact amount of playing time the rookie gets is yet to be decided.
This was confirmed by first year coach offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, whose approach is similar to the one he had adopted at the time former Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning had arrived in Indianapolis off the 1998 National Football
League (NFL) draft.
He was the team’s quarterbacks’ coach then. He has again joined the Colts as an offensive coordinator this year, coming out of his controversial retirement from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Andrew himself has expressed ignorance about the playing time he is likely to receive during the preseason opener, saying it is for head coach Chuck Pagano and OC Arians to make a call and he respects their judgement.
Luck has lately gone down in his form at training camp. For example, he could manage to complete only 15 out 29 passes on past Monday. This included three touchdowns.
He otherwise had remained impressive throughout and onlookers, team’s officials and commentators have spoken high of his skills. It could be down to the heavy workload that has taken a toll on the player’s stamina and endurance as it has
done to some other rookies at training camps.
A number of commentators have backed the team’s cautious approach in utilisation of the rookie. They believe the player should be eased into the pro game conditions gradually. This is more essential because of the poor quality of talent
the Colts have at some other positions.
Also, it is not necessary to expose the rookie too much in the preseason campaign. This phase more or less is a transition period from training activity to a real game competition.
Both coaches are confident that Luck will make a difference to the side this season and have a plan to utilise him selectively, but effectively. Any setback during the initial phase of the rookie’s career can push back his pro growth prospects,
and both stakeholders have wisely settled down with the approach of slow and steady development of his skills.
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