There is a newfound sense of optimism amidst all the changes the Indianapolis Colts made this offseason. However, there is no question that this team will only go as far as quarterback Andrew Luck can take them.
The Colts have made it clear that they are confident Luck can bounce back in the 2018 NFL season. Even former head coach Chuck Pagano thinks he is poised for a big year, via SiriusXM NFL Radio
“Andrew Luck is going to be back and better than ever…I know it. It absolutely killed him not to be out there on the field because he a top competitor, great teammate, and a great player.”
Pagano's comments are certainly saying a lot considering all that he has witnessed from Luck has his former head coach. Not only were they able to reach the AFC Championship Game, but he also earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and was the NFL's leader in passing touchdowns in the 2014 NFL season. That said, Pagano may be suggesting that Luck's bounce-back year could be MVP-worthy.
Regardless, any success in the near future hinges solely on his health. Luck has undergone quite the tumultuous rehabilitation process on his lingering shoulder injury that forced him to miss the entire 2017 campaign. Fortunately, the Colts have been hopeful about his status for the 2018 NFL season.
When healthy, Luck is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. Even a player of his caliber will need some time to get adjusted after missing an entire season of action. However, rumors suggest Luck already has a bit of a chip on his shoulder from all the doubt about his status as a premier quarterback which could be more than what he needs to prove critics wrong this season.