After another consecutive poor showing on Saturday night, many members of the mainstream media were quick to point out Matt Hasselbeck‘s struggles. In fact, some have went as far as to suggest that the Indianapolis Colts even have a significant team issue at backup quarterback.
Aug 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) during a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
There’s no question that the 39 year old veteran quarterback has struggled in two straight preseason outings, completing 14 of 26 passes (53.8%) for 131 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a fumble.
Showing a considerable lack of zip on throws so far, it’s quite possible that this season could be Hasselbeck’s “swan song” in what’s been a highly accomplished 17 year career.
However, let’s get this straight. As far as the Colts team concerns go, Hasselbeck as Andrew Luck‘s backup ranks toward the bottom of any list. In fact, I’d argue that it’s closer to the tuna salad sandwich that Anthony Castonzo may or may not have had for lunch than an actual key issue.
All jokes aside, after a preseason game that saw Luck get sacked one and hit twice on his 1st five pass attempts, we’re talking about Hasselbeck?
Andrew Luck’s backup?
If the Colts take care of business along their offensive line, it doesn’t matter who Luck’s backup is or isn’t because he’ll never play a meaningful snap regardless. Instead of worrying about Hasselbeck, it seems far more prudent to worry about the thing that’s actually the main issue right now.
The offensive line.
It’s simple theory, but if the team takes care of A–the offensive line, then the Colts don’t have to actually worry about B–Andrew Luck‘s backup because it won’t matter.
Jun 17, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) works out with back up quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) during minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Protecting Luck should be of the utmost performance because without him, the Colts aren’t going to go very far regardless. Sure, a competent backup quarterback may be able to win a handful of games that the team otherwise wouldn’t and keep them in the playoff hunt, but beyond that, the Colts are only going to go as far as Luck carries them.
When push comes to shove, the Colts are going to need Luck to be healthy at season’s end if the team is serious about hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come February. That starts with keeping #12 upright and protecting him along the offensive line, instead of allowing him to take an exorbitant amount of hits and risking further injury.
Having an exceptional backup quarterback is more of a luxury for a team that already has one of the best quarterbacks in football, as investing more money into the position is simply a waste of resources compared to more pressing team needs.
There’s no question that Hasselbeck needs to step up his preseason game, but at the same time, the real concern remains along the offensive line. Because if Luck is ever out for an extended period of time, it really won’t matter who his backup is because you can stick a fork in the Colts…
They’re done.
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