In 2015, Indianapolis Colts fans witnessed the worst record their team had achieved since the 2011 season. At 8-8, the Colts also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2011. The majority of the blame for that season tends to fall on the Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck. The good part about Luck’s inconsistent play is the hope that he will lead the Colts back to glory and win the AP Comeback Player of the Year award. The former Stanford Cardinal had his worst individual season statistically in 2015 since he entered the league back in 2012. With a rejuvenated offense surrounding the talented signal caller, there are no excuses to get back to winning ways in 2016.
Andrew Luck Should Win 2016 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Andrew Luck was a Pro Bowl selection his first three years in the NFL, from 2012-2014. He was also an MVP candidate in 2014 when he passed for over 4,700 yards and 40 touchdowns. Luck’s stat line took a big hit in 2015 as he was only able to play in seven games. Part of the reason for Luck’s struggles in 2015 was the Colts offensive line. According to Football Outsiders, Indianapolis ranked 16th in pass protection and 27th in run protection, during the 2015 season. The poor offensive line play finally caught up with the Colts in 2015. Luck suffered many injuries including shoulder problems, a lacerated kidney, and torn abdominals.
Additions to the Colts Roster
For the first time in almost a year, Andrew Luck is fully healthy and ready to play. He enters the 2016 season with new confidence along with a new contract. Luck signed a record breaking contract in June, worth $87 million in guaranteed money. The Colts also head into the 2016 season with a rejuvenated offense. They invested four draft picks into the offensive line. Highlights include former Alabama center Ryan Kelly, who the Colts drafted in the first round, and former Texas Tech tackle Le’Raven Clark, who Indy selected in the third round. Newly acquired running backs Jordan Todman and Robert Turbin should also help out the offense. With added depth on the offensive line and in the running game, Luck should have more support than ever.
2016 Schedule Analysis
The Colts have a tough schedule this season. They will have four challenging road games against the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos (the defending Super Bowl champions), Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland Raiders. Home games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers also won’t be easy. The good news for Luck and the Colts is that they do not have to face the New England Patriots this season because Luck is 0-5 against the Patriots in his career. Hopefully, the idea of the Colts not facing the Patriots will help Luck return back to his 2014 form statistically.
2016 Outlook
According to NFL.com, Andrew Luck is the preseason favorite to win 2016 AP Comeback Player of the Year. Other candidates include Dez Bryant and Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys, Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers, and Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs. Furthermore, Luck has not had a bad season in the NFL when healthy. He also owns Colts franchise records for rookie passing yards and touchdowns in a season, and the overall record for single season passing yardage. ESPN.com projects that Luck will have 4,207 yards through the air with 19 interceptions and 35 total touchdowns. If those projections end up becoming reality, then Andrew Luck would have a great chance at winning Comeback Player of the Year. He might even get some MVP consideration. Fans should get their first look at Andrew Luck and the Colts this Sunday at 8 pm in the annual Hall of Fame Game, which will be broadcasted live on ESPN.
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