Andrew Luck Expected to Play vs. Patriots
Well, it looks like we are going to get that Tom Brady versus Andrew Luck match-up again after-all. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay expects Luck to suit up on Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots this week, according to a report by Mike Reiss of ESPN.
"“I really think that, unless something happens, I see him being a go Sunday,” Irsay told ESPN.com on Thursday. “I’m not saying 100 percent for sure, but I think there’s a strong likelihood he’s a go. I was with him [Thursday], and he’s feeling a lot better.”"
Matt Hasselbeck has been solid for the Colts in the absence of Luck, but make no mistake, the neck-bearded number 12 gives the Colts the best chance to win against the Patriots, or anybody else in the NFL.
Luck suffered a right shoulder injury in the Colts’ Week 3 narrow victory over the Tennessee Titans, and he has not seen the field since. Hasselbeck has led the team to two close victories in Luck’s absence, but those wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are not the most impressive.
The schedule really picks up this week as the Colts take on the Patriots. The Colts know that if they are going to have a chance in this tough upcoming stretch which includes taking on the Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons in four of their next five games, Luck is going to have to be back, and on point. Those four teams mentioned above currently sit with a combined record of 18-1.
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That being said, even with Luck, I am not sure how much I like the Colts’ chances. Luck was not himself early this season even before the injury. He has completed 57% of his passes this season, and has thrown only five touchdowns to seven interceptions.
Luck has always had a bit of a turnover problem, but that has been magnified this year. The accuracy and touch on his passes appeared off even before the injury. However, Luck is clearly a talented player. Those early season struggles could have just been a blip on the radar, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on as he returns.
It will be very interesting to see how Luck performs in his return this week. The Patriots are incredibly motivated to destroy the Colts, and I have a hard time believing in a Colts’ victory no matter who sees the field. That being said, Luck at least gives them a chance. He is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the entire NFL, and the Patriots have to be ready for what he can do.
This was already an interesting match-up, but the addition of Luck to the game, takes it to another level. Patriots vs. Colts, Week 6 on Sunday Night Football. Don’t miss it.
Next: Analyzing the Colts' Offense