Andrew Luck is Hurt So Who Deserves the Blame?

Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker

(98) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Is Andrew Luck partially to blame for getting hit so often? Is he being too reckless? Is it because trying to extend too many plays, or Is he just expecting more out of his offensive line? or does the fault lie elsewhere?

The Colts want Andrew Luck to make some changes to protect himself. The 25-year-old quarterback who has taken more hits in the past three seasons than any active quarterback in the NFL. They want HIM to make changes. Now, don’t misunderstand me, the way Andrew Luck plays is reckless at times. It’s equal parts young Brett Favre and young Ben Roethlisberger and just not enough Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.

That’s the difference. Favre would trust his arm and throw into tight windows like a gunslinger leading to an increase in interceptions. Big Ben would hold the ball too long and take punishment in the pocket because he knows he’s strong enough to get rid of the ball with guys draped on him.

Compare that to Rodgers and Brady. Aaron Rodgers is always willing to get rid of the ball quickly and throw it away when there is no one open or use his feet to net a small gain before sliding. Likewise, Tom Brady knows he has a weaker offensive line, so he spreads the field and uses a short passing game to protect his body. Spreading the field is a huge antithesis of max protection, but buys the quarterback time.

I’m not saying that Andrew Luck is not as good as them, far from it. But, he should consider some minor changes. like keeping a 2.5 second or less clock from snap-to-release on short to medium plays. If no one is open, and he cannot run for any plus yards then he needs to throw it away and live to see another down. Luck simply holds on to the ball for far too long.

Once the blame game and – Yes, I’m going to do it – the rift talk continue to gain traction, suddenly it’s the team wanting the quarterback to make changes. To his game. It’s been Andrew Luck’s gutsy play style that has led them to a 33-15 record heading into this season. Jason Cole, From Bleacher Report, highlights the changes the Colts want to see Andrew Luck make to protect himself more:

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