Andrew Luck Progressing On Schedule For Indianapolis Colts

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) runs off the field after beating the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Does anybody remember four years ago when the Indianapolis Colts were 2-14 and a long ways away from ever hoping to contend again?  Suddenly they are headed back to the AFC championship and the primary reason rests on the shoulders of Andrew Luck.  No other team in the NFL has better exemplified the important of not only drafting the right quarterback but also developing him properly and what it can do to for the franchise.

Year by year Luck has progressed more and more.  He reached the wild card round as a rookie, led a historic comeback in his second year to reach the divisional round and now in his all-important third season has his team headed to the conference championship.  If the main brass were looking for validation that they made the right decision in parting ways with Peyton Manning, it was verified when their young star outdueled his predecessor at Mile High.

Now the big test awaits.  Luck has been magnificent but like Manning he has struggled early in his career again Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.  In fact of all the teams he has faced in his three years as a pro, Luck has thrown more interceptions to the Patriots (4) than any other team.  His mistakes, coupled with the inability of Indianapolis Colts defense to stop Brady are fresh on the minds of everybody.

If Luck is truly ready to assume his place on top of the mountain where so many feel he belongs, this is the hurdle he must get past.