For the past two years, the Indianapolis Colts have been waiting for their franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck, to come back from injury. He has had to deal with numerous injuries and surgeries on the AC joint in his right and left shoulders. His initial injury was when he lacerated his kidney against the Titans in 2015 and missed the final 9 games of the year. Luck came back but then tore his labrum at the end of the 2016 season. He was expected to return in 2017, but complications in his surgery, perhaps caused by a snowboarding accident where he sprained his AC joint., had him out for the season once again. Finally, Colts fans got their quarterback who led them to three straight 11-5 seasons back, and he's better than ever.
Much of the blame for Luck's unlucky injury history was put on the offensive line. For nearly three straight years, the Colts O-Line failed to protect Luck, resulting in all of his injuries. They themselves were ravaged with injuries and allowed 41 sacks in 2015, which was worst in the NFL. Finally, the Colts have a good offensive line led by rookie guard Quenton Nelson, center Ryan Kelly, and tackle Anthony Castonzo. In fact, the Colts offensive line is ranked fourth best this year, only behind the Saints, Rams, and Chiefs. They have not allowed a sack in over five games, which is the second-best streak in history, only behind Dan Marino and the Dolphins in 1991. As a result, Andrew Luck is playing arguably the best football of his life, despite the Colts 5-5 record. He has thrown for 2769 yards and 29 touchdowns through ten games and is on pace for 4600 yards and 38 touchdowns. Had the Colts tied the Texans in week 4, rather than go for it on fourth and four in their own territory, they could legitimately be contending for a top-four seed. Despite that, they are in the middle of the race for that sixth wild-card spot and should be able to get it as they have an extremely easy schedule aside from another match-up with the Texans. If they finish 10-6, it should be more than enough to give them the sixth seed over the Ravens, who still face off against the Chiefs and Chargers, and the Bengals, who still have to play the Steelers and Chargers.
At the end of the day, the Indianapolis Colts should make the playoffs as they finally have gotten their quarterback, Andrew Luck, back from injury. Luck should also win the Comeback Player of the Year with almost no competition, as other competitors like Odell Beckham and David Johnson are not playing as well as Luck.
Comentários