Quarterback Andrew Luck shines as Indianapolis Colts thrash St. Louis Rams in preseason opener
When Indianapolis Colts went on the field on Sunday, August 12, 2012, against St. Louis Rams, all eyes were on this year’s number one draft pick Andrew Luck.
For the first time, Luck stepped on the field play for Colts and he had a stellar of a debut. Colts were completely dominant throughout the game as they beat Rams 38-3.
The game was expected to be very competitive as both teams were coming off a bad season. Yet, things came out different, mainly due to Luck’s performance.
In the first-ever pass of his career, Luck managed to score a touchdown. It reminded us of Luck’s predecessor Peyton Manning, who had achieved the same milestone.
Luck rounded up with 10 of 16 for 188 yards along with two touchdowns. Rams tried everything to stop Luck but failed miserably.
Colts started the season on a high as they kept Rams from scoring even a single point in the first quarter.
In his first play, Luck threw a 63-yard pass to running back Donald Brown who capitalised on that and moved zigzag to get past the Rams’ struggling defence. Colts ended the first quarter 7-0.
Colts started the second quarter exactly where they had left as they scored another touchdown. This time it was T.Y. Hiltons’ turn to take the ball in the end zone as Luck converted third-in-three with a 12-yard pass to Hilton in the fourth play.
Rams finally scored three points, but were soon taken aback with another touchdown by Colts as Luck threw an 80-yard pass to Delone Carter near the end zone as he made a one-yard run to take the score to 21-3.
Colts went on to increase their lead in the third quarter and managed their firm grip in the fourth quarter as well.
Colts new Head Coach Chuck Pagano was impressed by Luck’s performance. He said:
"I know we picked him up off the turf a couple times, but he's a big, strong, athletic guy and he can take a hit. We don't want him taking too many, but to see him perform the way he did and do the things that he did under pressure, I thought he handled
it well,"
Rams’ defence was very poor throughout the game. Quarterback Sam Bradford had a brief run in the game but failed to give any impressive play.
It was Colts biggest preseason victory since 1966. Luck’s era is off to an astonishing start. It will be interesting to see how Colts play against quality sides in their next encounters.
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