Luck Has 'It'

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INDIANAPOLIS – In successive weeks, Andrew Luck's Colts beat teams with the second-winningest starting quarterback in history (Denver's Peyton Manning, 160 wins) and one looking for his first-ever victory (Houston's Case Keenum).

Luck has been a part of 10 career comeback victories and other ones that were much more dominant.

What was suspected about Luck when he arrived in Indianapolis was that he had 'it.'  He certainly has proven it clearly.

"I guess when you see Andrew, that's 'it,' " said Chuck Pagano.  "I think everybody looking for one, just look for a guy that looks like number 12.  He's definitely got the 'it' factor.

"Besides the measureables, height, weight, speed, (he has) athleticism, arm talent, intangibles, football IQ, leadership.  You look for guys that are poised, in command."

Cleveland President Mike Holmgren earlier this year said he offered Ryan Grigson his entire 2012 draft for the Colts' top pick. 

It was a short, but pleasant response – Thank you, no dice.

Luck's 17-7 start is the fastest for any quarterback taken first overall since 1970.  His 10 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime are the current league mark for any quarterback in a second season since 1970.

He guided the Colts to the playoffs as a rookie and has the team perched with a two-game divisional lead at this season's mid-point.

St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis feels he will be defending a quarterback who will wind up in a class with a short roll call, one his team dubs, "a more athletic Ben Roethlisberger."

"Andrew Luck is a stud.  He's one of those guys that I think when his career is done, you're going to have to be talking about him as one of the best to play the game," said Laurinaitis.  "He just seems to have a great awareness of the game.

"He seems to have great control and the more mature he gets playing in this league, he's going to be a guy who's going to be able to basically dictate everything he wants to do as a quarterback of a team."

Pagano has seen Luck thrive in every circumstance and is not surprised by anything he sees him do in pressurized situations.

"Not anymore," said Pagano.  "He's tough as nails, very rugged and able to get up when knocked down.  He manages the pocket as good as anybody.

"You talk to opposing coaches, they talk about his durability, how hard he is to get down.  They see how he's able to extend plays."

Assessing himself at 6-2, Luck took a modest route, "(I'm) nowhere near perfect, by any means, hopefully on the right track." 

Matt Hasselbeck sees a talent who physically prepares ahead to flourish in the present.

"One thing I've been impressed with Andrew is his commitment to being consistent with what I call "prehab" work," said Hasselbeck.  "A lot of guys do rehab when they hurt themselves.  He does what I call "prehab," which is he plans on ways to get better and stronger for injuries he doesn't have but may be at risk for. 

"As a quarterback, it's so taxing on your body.  It's like you're a pitcher and running back all in one.  You're pitching, but you're getting hit.  Whether it's finding creative ways to strengthen certain muscles it's aggressive and almost complicated, but he's committed to it."

Gosder Cherilus did not see Luck in year one, but his impression is solid as Luck prepares for his 25th game.

"Andrew is Andrew," said Cherilus.  "He's extremely smart.  He's extremely competitive.  He brings it every day – walk-throughs, practices, games.  You know exactly what to expect.  It makes it a lot easier as an offensive lineman."

While some have greatness thrust upon them, others are blessed from birth.  Pagano claims the latter is likely for his quarterback, and those before him who have 'it.'

"Some guys have it and some guys don't, and it's pretty easy and pretty obvious to see early in guy's careers," said Pagano.  "More times than not…you're born with it."