The Indianapolis Colts 2018 season was highlighted by the return of quarterback Andrew Luck. He didn't play a down in 2017 and there was a time when many thought he would never even throw a football again.
Instead, Luck returned and played in all 16 games in 2018. Luck led the Colts back to the playoffs with a 10-6 record (9-1 in their last 10 games), while throwing for 4,593 yards and 39 touchdowns.
That's all in the rearview mirror though. Now the 2019 NFL Draft is over, and it's time to stop talking about the past and start talking about the future. It's time to focus solely on 2019.
What should Andrew Luck's goals for 2019 be? Here are three early ideas that you know are in his head.
3. Play All 16 Games
If we're being honest, Andrew Luck's never had a terrible injury history outside of 2017. However, that one year has him labeled as “fragile” or “injury prone” by many people.
In reality, Luck has played in all 16 games (including last season) in four of his other six NFL seasons. One of those years was 2016, when he appeared in 15 games. The other season was 2015, when he appeared in seven games. What's crazy is all 26 of his missed games in his career stem from 2015 and a torn labrum.
Outside of that injury, Luck has always found a way to step onto the field.
That being said, this is a goal for every player. Especially one that still needs to prove he's healthy after such a scary injury.
If the Indianapolis Colts are going to win and find themselves back in the playoffs, it's going to be Luck leading them. They'll need him healthy if they want to win in a pretty competitive AFC South division.
Playing in all 16 games will silence the doubters for good, while more-than-likely end in Indianapolis finding themselves in the postseason for a second straight year.
2. Setting a New High in Touchdown Passes While Limiting Turnovers
Andrew Luck's career-high for touchdown passes in a season is 40. Coming off that scary injury, he threw 39 last season. He's also got a new weapon in Parris Campbell to go along with T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, and Eric Ebron. That's a scary core of targets for any quarterback, let alone the ridiculously talented Luck.
It's definitely plausible that he'll increase his touchdown total from last year. He only needs to add two more to set a new career-best.
Meanwhile though, the one knock on Luck that's hard to argue is the interceptions. He's only had one season with less than 12 interceptions (including the year he only played seven games).
In 2013, Luck had nine interceptions in 16 games, but also threw a career-worst 23 touchdowns (no we aren't counting that seven-game year). His 3,882 yards were also a low.
Last season, Luck showed improved accuracy. He hit on a career-high 67.3% of his passes. However, he still threw 15 interceptions and fumbled six times. If Luck is to take the next step, he's going to need to cut down on the turnovers.
When that happens, the Colts could find themselves as serious Super Bowl contenders. With that in mind, this should be a serious goal for him.
1. Throw For 5,000 Yards
Only seven different quarterbacks have thrown for 5,000 yards in an NFL regular season (Drew Brees has done it a ridiculous five times). As of right now, Andrew Luck's career-high for passing yards in a season is 4,761 back in 2014.
In 2018, Luck managed an impressive 4,593 yards in the air. This is definitely an obtainable goal for him.
Luck also has possibly his best supporting cast ever. He even has some potential help at running back. Although more carries could hurt his passing yards, you should still expect 600-plus attempts from him. A good running game will do more to help him (opening up play action) than hurt him.
Last season, Andrew Luck reminded everyone that he's still an elite talent at the quarterback position. This is the year he cements that by becoming part of NFL history.
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