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Colts Andrew Luck: From Touchdown to Turnover Machine?

By Luke Schultheis

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck may be one of the best players in the NFL, but so far this season, he hasn’t shown it.

In 2 games, Luck is 47 for 86 passes (54.7%) for 493 passing yards and a Passer Rating of 58.9. With 3 more interceptions last night, he now has just 3 touchdowns to go with 5 interceptions and a fumble lost on the season.

Simply put, he’s been a ‘turnover machine’, and it’s starting to become an issue for the team:

His head coach Chuck Pagano was visibly frustrated about the team’s 5 turnovers last night at his post-game press conference, specifically with how the offensive line’s poor pass protection has helped exasperate the issue:

"“You can’t do it,” said Pagano Monday night. “Can’t turn the ball over. You got to protect. You’ve got to give him (Luck) time. You’ve got to give him a clean pocket, so he can step up and not get hit when he’s releasing the ball. We got to get it fixed.”"

However, despite the offensive line’s well-documented struggles, Luck isn’t necessarily blame free either. He forced some throws that led to interceptions last night and had careless ball security during a lost fumble:

"“Just got to take care of the football,” added Pagano regarding his quarterback’s turnover prone play. “Just make great decisions and take care of the football. It’s not that hard. It’s not trigonometry.”"

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) calls a timeout during a game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. New York Jets defeat the Indianapolis Colts 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The truth is Luck has played with a porous offensive line during his entire 4-year career with the Colts. While the offensive line’s ineffectiveness has certainly attributed to his lackluster play this season, he’s played at a high level before with similar circumstances. So, it’s worth wondering what exactly has changed.

When asked whether he thought Luck getting hit too much has sped up his ‘internal quarterback clock’, Pagano wasn’t necessarily buying the theory last night:

"“I’d have to sit and down and honestly have a conversation (with Andrew),” replied Pagano. “I don’t think so. I think that’s been the case for 3 years now. Has it not? He should be more than comfortable dealing with what he’s dealing with. He’s got to get it fixed.”"

After an offseason spent proclaiming “cutting down turnovers” was key, Luck so far hasn’t delivered on his intended goal. In fact, he’s gotten worse in that facet of his game. The young quarterback sometimes tries too hard to make a play in situations where throwing the ball away or eating a sack would be better served.

To his credit though, at least he realizes he’s part of the problem right now, when asked what went wrong with the offense last night:

"“My play,” responded Luck post-game. “Turning the ball over, fumbles, and interceptions. That’s a pretty glaring issue.”"

Here’s hoping he can now be a key part of the solution and go back from “Turnover to Touchdown” Machine, like his league-leading 40 touchdown season last year.

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