DeMarcus Ware: “Andrew Luck toughest QB to face”

On an episode of Around the NFL on June 5th, Denver Bronco’s pass rusher DeMarcus Ware was asked, Who is the toughest quarterback in the NFL today? Ware replied,

"“I think the toughest quarterback that guys are facing is probably Andrew Luck.”"

He goes on to say that, “He is one of those guys where usually a quarterback will try to scramble out of the pocket. He doesn’t. He scrambles into the pocket.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) calls a play against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

And so he’ll let guys corral and get outside of him, but he’ll go into the pocket and throw a javelin. So he’s one of those guys who’s hard to to defend.”

Coming from a seasoned pass rusher like Ware, I think this is a great compliment. Not only does is bolster the fact that Andrew Luck is one of the best, if not the best, young quarterback in the league right now, but it really describes Andrew’s playing style and play making ability. Luck finished the 2014 season ranked 1st in passing touchdowns, 3rd in passing yards, and 7th in passer rating.

In the January 11th playoff game against the Broncos, Ware was held to 0 sacks. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Luck was 7 for 14 for 139 yards during that game for throws going more than 10+ yards and finished the game with 265 yards passing, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Ware finished that game with a -0.4 overall rating and was credited with just four QB hurries. He did have a +0.7 pass rush grade but was largely a non-factor in the game.

I am pretty sure that Ware is not the only defensive player that thinks that Luck is toughest quarterback to play against in NFL right now. The Texans, Jaguars, and Titans can attest to the fact being that they have to play against the stud of a quarterback twice every year.

Indianapolis and Luck are definitely a team that I think players actually dread having to play against when they pop up on their schedules.