Why Andrew Luck Should Be an MVP Candidate

Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) motions at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Seven weeks into the season, Andrew Luck has made a strong case for this year’s MVP award. Luck’s 2,331 passing yards are first in the NFL (253 yards ahead of second-placed Matt Ryan) and his 19 touchdown passes are also the highest, tied with his Colts predecessor, Peyton Manning. Luck is top-10 in both total QBR and completion percentage.

The Colts have won their last five games with Luck throwing for over 300 yards in each game as well as 14 touchdowns to only four interceptions. With an improved offensive line and running game, Andrew Luck leads the NFL’s best and most versatile offense. The return of Reggie Wayne and Dwayne Allen has given Luck plenty of options to throw to. The Colts have seven receivers with over 10 receptions, and eight with over 100 yards receiving.

While the Colts struggled in the first two games of the season, their last five have been the opposite. The defense has stepped up greatly and completely shut down the Bengals in a 27-0 win. The play of the Colts as a team could be the ultimate factor in determining whether Andrew Luck wins this season’s MVP award. Throughout his first two seasons, Luck would often prevail and lead the Colts to victory due to the team’s overall lackluster play. However, with the improvement to the run game and a much-improved defense, it could be hard for Luck to have standout performances over the season.

But the Colts beginning to perform like Super Bowl contenders are only one of the obstacles standing between Andrew Luck and a MVP award. Aaron Rodgers has also begun to turn the Packers around after a slow start. While Rodgers is trailing Luck by nearly 700 yards, he has thrown 18 touchdowns and only one interception and is on pace to have one the most efficient seasons in NFL history. His total QBR and completion percentage are higher as well. Peyton Manning has an improved recovering corps and Ryan Clady back at left tackle; he is always in contention.

Andrew Luck is on pace to throw for over 5,300 yards and 40 touchdowns, which would shatter his career highs. Luck is already four touchdowns away from breaking his career high. The Colts’ schedule is also a key factor; Indianapolis only has a handful of tough games ahead with games in Pittsburgh and Dallas, as well as a game against New England, who seem to have found their form.

If Andrew Luck continues his impressive play and Pep Hamilton allows Luck to continually air it out, there should be no reason for Luck not to be in contention for MVP by season’s end.