Keep Andrew Luck upright

Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) gets rid of the ball while under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Nantz and Phil Simms made it abundantly clear on Sunday: Andrew Luck’s jersey’s primary color was no longer white; it was field-colored.

In Sunday’s midseason tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Andrew Luck was more accustomed to being on the ground than standing on his own feet. The offensive line broke down early in the game and Luck had nearly no time in the passing game. He was consistently hurried, beaten and bruised. James Harrison recorded Pittsburgh’s two sacks on Andrew Luck and was instrumental in making sure he wouldn’t stay upright. Beyond him, the Pittsburgh rushing core was dominant while the offensive line had no answers.

Let’s give Andrew Luck some credit. He is as crafty an escaping quarterback as there is in the NFL. He used his strength to prevent what was sure to be a beatdown by making last second throws out of bounds and finding players open in impossible situations. Despite being mauled over on nearly every passing play, Luck still got 400 yards and three scores. He’s a true virtuoso with the football, despite being pushed over on every play.

But it’s time to dish out blame. It falls on the offensive line.

Anthony Castonzo was the only offensive lineman that could do anything correctly for the Colts. The interior was wrecked by Brett Keisel and company while Gosder Cherilus had possibly his worst game as a Colt. He’s typically fairly good, but he’s been manhandled by rushers in pass coverage lately. If the Colts want to be successful in the future, he’ll need to find his groove and do more than just run block for this team.

I’ve been saying it all year, but the Colts need to give a lot of consideration to sitting Jonotthan Harrison. I like the rookie and think he could be good eventually, but he has been horrible with his interior blocking. He doesn’t quite have the NFL experience that it takes to snap the ball and quickly rear himself to be ready for the play. Interior defense target him as a week sport. The Colts may lean toward A.Q. Shipley if Harrison continues to have a bad season.

One thing’s for sure: if the Colts want to win football games, they must protect the best player on the football field.