Andrew Luck Impresses the Bears Defensive Unit

Aug 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Luck has hit the ‘elite’ level heading into his fourth season according to several Chicago Bears defensive players.

What did we learn from the two days of joint practice between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears? Was there a benefit to both squads before their upcoming preseason week 2 matchup?

According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago-Sun Times, for the Bears there was a significant benefit. The Bears defense believe it has gotten better as a unit after practicing against quarterback Andrew Luck. Chicago Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee was impressed with Luck, Per Jahns:

"“He’s very smart,” McPhee said. “I mean you can clearly see on that two-minute. It was third-and-one and they got an illegal formation and they [get] backed up. “I don’t think the coach said [do] a hard count, and he [did a] hard count and the whole defense jumped. He got his third-and-one back. You feel me? “You know he’s a very smart quarterback. He took all his reads. He doesn’t try to get rid of the ball too fast. He’ll sit in the pocket and play football.”"

We will get to more of the Bears defenders regarding Luck later, but the message is clear. Defensively, the Bears feel that the time spent was well spent. Especially when it comes to the preparation of facing division rival Green Bay – and their elite quarterback Aaron Rodgers  – twice a year in the NFC North.