We’re nearing the end of the first round of 2012 preseason games. And it’s probably safe to say that, so far, no NFL quarterback has made as strong of a first impression as Colts rookie Andrew Luck.
Playing 24 snaps in Sunday’s exhibition opener against the Rams, Luck completed 10-of-16 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. At least three of his six incompletions were dropped by receivers. Luck was incredibly sharp, making stick throws outside the numbers and displaying composure in the pocket. He threw the football accurately, made quick decisions, and flashed his underrated athleticism on a nine-yard scramble.
Opening the game with a 63-yard touchdown on a shovel screen to running back Donald Brown, Luck wound up engineering four offensive possessions. The Colts scored touchdowns on three of them, the second on a 23-yard dart to Austin Collie in the right corner of the end zone and the third on a goal-line carry by running back Delone Carter.
This is the preseason. The Colts were playing the Rams. It doesn’t really mean anything.
But Luck looked awesome. And every bit worth the No. 1 pick in the draft.