Doug Pensinger - Getty Images
5 months ago: GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 02: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal warms up against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2012 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Yes, I know what NFL Network's Mike Mayock said yesterday about Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. I respect Mayock. He does a great job covering the draft.
In the case of Andrew Luck, I don't think anyone truly believes he is a 'once in a lifetime' prospect. Is he the best quarterback prospect to come out of college since John Elway, who entered the draft back in 1984? Yes.
Is he the most talented? No, and that's pretty much what Mayock was saying. In terms of physical talent, Cam Newton is far more superior than Luck. Newton is bigger, stronger, faster, and probably throws the football farther.
However, almost everyone who scouts and grades talent is saying Luck is a better prospect than Newton, and it's for reasons that go beyond physical ability.
You could even make the argument that Robert Griffin III is more talented. When both men are clocked at the Combine and-or their Pro Days, Griffin is likely to run faster. He certainly has more elusiveness, and he might have a stronger arm. From a physical talent standpoint, where Luck has an advantage over Griffin is that he is physically bigger (6'4, 235 pounds compared to 6'2, 220 pounds).
For perspective, Luck is as big and strong as Tim Tebow. Luck can also throw a football. Tebow can't.
Griffin's short height and slight weight likely contributed to his injury history at Baylor, and it should raise a few flags for anyone wanting to draft him. Personally, I don't think these flags are anything major. I consider Griffin a lock at the No. 2 overall pick (some team will trade up with St. Louis for him), but Griffin only played three games in 2009 due to an ACL injury, and he sustained a concussion in Baylor's win over Texas Tech last year.
I've spent a lot of time in recent weeks watching tape on Luck, and while I am not a scout or a talent expert on par with someone like Mayock, I've seen Luck make throws and plays that, quite frankly, Sam Bradford didn't in college. Luck also had a strong, Manning-like command of his offense at Stanford.
So, to go back to Mayock's actual comment, which was to compare Luck's talent level to Bradford's, that might not be completely accurate, but it's not as far off as some would think. Arm strength looks about the same. Luck moves better in the pocket than Bradford, and has a better sense of how to get rid of the ball when pressure gets near him.
However, that's not 'talent.' That's just playing the position really well. Michael Vick was far and away more talented than Peyton Manning, but Vick couldn't hold Manning's jock when both were playing at a high level. So much that goes into playing quarterback is brains, temperament, and the ability to process information quickly.
Physical talent means nothing if you don't have skills in those three areas. Just ask JaMarcus Russell.
1 recs | 107 comments
Am I the only one?
Maybe it’s just me but I can’t wait to see Luck taking snaps next year for the Colts! I can’t believe how “Lucky” the Colts are to have him succeed Manning. It was a great run with Manning but I think it’s time to turn the page and get behind our new QB. All good things eventually come to and end…I just don’t think most Colts fans are ready to accept that yet. I would rather it end this way than to have fans at LOS chanting “Put in Luck!” during a 3 interception game by #18.
ColtsGM9001 - February 16, 2012
So what are they going to chant
When Luck has a 3-INT game?
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
There's a huge difference
Your question is moot because Luck won’t have a player like Manning backing him up. Nobody is going to chant for Orlovsky if Luck struggles.
ColtsGM9001 - February 16, 2012
You missed the point
Why should we be less satisfied with a 3-INT game if it comes from Manning rather than from Luck? According to the Luck fans, he is already a Hall-of-Famer. Should we have fired Manning back in the San Diego game where he threw 6 INTs?
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
If
If Andrew Luck were on the Colts roster back then, yes. People would have cheered to bench Peyton for Luck, and their reasons would have been valid.
Brad Wells - February 16, 2012
And Luck has earned these accolades how?
You are insane.
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
by being something people call...
The number 1 overall pick.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
I see
By that logic Jemarcus Russel would have been better than Manning as well.
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
Nobody is stating that Russel or Luck is better than Peyton
The point is that people will begin to get frustrated and will want the #1 OVERALL DRAFT PICK to play at some point. As soon as Manning starts to struggle, the grumbling will begin. It might not come from you, but you are crazy if you don’t think that will start to happen from other fans.
ColtsGM9001 - February 16, 2012
...
no… nobody saying he is better. let me break it down for you.
1. if the Colts sucked and drafted JaMarcuss Russell #1. He has not played a snap, and we don’t know he is the 2nd greatest bust of all time.
2. Assume Peyton Manning is 36 and coming off 3 neck surgeries (4th is not confirmed)
3. The next year the Colts play San Deigo, and Peyton throws 6 interceptions.
4. Most fans would have probably wanted them to put JaMarcuss Russell in after int #3
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
And those fans would have had no clue what they were talking about
Instead, they would be having these great delusions of grandeur based on dreams, fantasies and where the kid was drafted.
Amazing how that works.
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
Like it or not
The point of my post was to acknowledge that I would rather the “Manning era” to end this way. Rather than 1-3 years from now getting booed by Colts fans and urging for a QB change.
ColtsGM9001 - February 16, 2012
Anyone
at anytime Booing Manning would be an idiot.
shoospa - February 16, 2012
fans have a very short memory
If we had two losing seasons and were on the cusp of another with a #1 overall pick waiting, I think most people’s tone would change.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
lol shoospa
some of us grew out of worshipping athletes
omahacolt - February 16, 2012
yea and so could you
Like you just added anything…. your next thought post will be your first.
TheNaturalMevs - February 16, 2012
Called respect
Not worship. Something you might learn when you grow up. You probably Boo when an opposing team player gets injured.
shoospa - February 16, 2012
no
i cheer
omahacolt - February 17, 2012
Why
does that not surprise me. Another classless act by a classless person.
shoospa - February 17, 2012
Sounds like delusions of grandeur...
putting your dream, fantasies and hanging on to the past on a guy who can’t throw a football and has had 3 neck surgeries.
Yougotme - February 16, 2012
Manning can't throw a football huh?
And you’ve seen him?
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
What kind of question is that?
“And you’ve seen him not throw a football?” – Uh, yeah. I’ve seen him a lot since the Jets game last January and at no time was he throwing a football.
I suppose you have seen him throw a football with the same velocity, accuracy and touch that he had prior to the surgery in the last year?
Yougotme - February 16, 2012
3/4 of the players that had this surgery were not QBs who have to throw a football
armycolts25 - February 16, 2012
And if my Aunt had...
huh?
Yougotme - February 16, 2012
i suppose no one here has
but you neglect the fact that Irsay was pleased with his viewing as was Polian and who else Vinetari was it who said he was definitely getting there
C.Settles - February 17, 2012
Damn Brad
You can make brain-dead fish look cerebral with comments like that one. Mercy.
BoilerMacR - February 16, 2012
What an idiot you are
udllama - February 16, 2012
That’s Brad. Yes we should have fired Manning then after that game Brad and then missed out on a 14-0 run to the Super Bowl. You are a fucking rube
udllama - February 16, 2012
The 6 INT game
Was because all the WRs were hurt an he was throwing to Crapo Thorpe and other scrubs I can’t remembered…
What were they gonna do? Run the ball?
(206)NightRidah - February 16, 2012 via mobile
and one of those interceptions was a tipped ball.
Ayrshire - February 16, 2012
I remember
the great SI.com writer Dr Z writing about that game and how magnificent he thought Peyton’s effort was that night to keep coming back with no healthy receivers and some bad luck. Only a rare chipshot miss by Vinatieri ruined a great comeback. I would take Dr. Z’s football knowledge over Brad’s any day (yeah, bench Manning a year after winning the Super Bowl. Right).
JTBLA - February 16, 2012
That was a freak show of a game...
Nobody would be calling for Manning to be benched, even if you had Unitas back there – give me a break. Manning threw 3 of them in the first quarter. It was a terrible quarter. Rivers had two himself and a fumble. Not to mention it was raining like crazy, outside of Wayne it was third stringers he was throwing to, one of them was on a tipped ball and another was a desperation throw at the end of the game. Forget the fact that he brought the team back and V missed the bunny. (And missed another at halftime…)
But don’t we shouldn’t let facts and context get in the way of agenda…
Yougotme - February 16, 2012
that really was
one of the wackiest games I’ve seen. Remember the ref’s screwing Sessions out of a like a 95 fumble TD return. Then later we recovereda Rivers fumble in the endzone for a score.
And then to top it all of, Adam missing a freaking 27 fg ftl.
JHetfield99 - February 16, 2012
...
you can’t solve the problem that people refer to as “stupidity”.
You are completely missing the point of the post. Basically he’s saying that when (because its going to happen) Manning’s skills begin to degrade to a point where he isn’t winning us 10 games a season anymore (and this likely would be coming next year if he stays), people are going to want Luck to come in. Its better for everybody this way.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
And how do you know that point has come?
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
something called father time
odds are Manning isn’t 100% and may not be in time for the season to start. Manning needs copious amounts of practice to be perfect (this is well known) and if he isn’t 100% while practicing he’s going to be off.
From what we’ve seen this year, the Colts themselves are a below average football team.
How can you think we’ll be a 12 win team with Manning? Because we always are? Analysts were also predicting that Manning would play this year… because he always plays. How did that go for them?
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
My bottom line is this:
I’ll put my faith in a proven commodity long before I get all worked up over a rookie who has never played a down in the NFL.
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
word
muncie_in_this - February 16, 2012
Brett Favre
is also a proven commodity. Maybe we should get him?
I would argue that Peyton Manning, in his current form, is far from a “proven commodity”.
Come on dude. We now have a great new QB prospect (who may suck or may be pretty good… who knows) and a guy who would likely cripple our teams salary cap, stunt the growth of our said new QB, and if indeed he doesn’t have 100% arm strength, go out in a way that would not be ideal for Colts fans.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
oh yeah brett farve had a great last season
youre right its the same lets throw in the interception king
and to say he would stunt the growth of our new QB says who? just pulling random negative facts out of your ass?
or do you not remember Mannings been mentoring luck and has been giving him that growth for years and years in his training camp?
C.Settles - February 17, 2012
The team
The roster had the same amount of talent as years past. They won 10 games every year with that talent level. The defense hasn’t been worthwhile since 2006. The only reason they looked bad was losing the best QB in the league and replacing him with a guy who shouldn’t be in the league. An average QB would have led the team to 5-7 wins. Obviously, it isn’t as solid a roster as Green Bay, but there isn’t a dominant AFC team right now. If they get in the playoffs, they could easily make a run to the Super Bowl.
PeytonTheManning - February 16, 2012
Exactly
MinerFootball - February 16, 2012
No you're not
I can’t wait either. That throw on the video where he was falling down was damn impressive.
MinerFootball - February 16, 2012
IT'S NOT JUST YOU
Some teams go decades without a franchise QB. The Colts have a chance to have 2 in a row. It almost never happens.
javen - February 16, 2012
kinda like they fucked this season
just to guarantee it
muncie_in_this - February 16, 2012
horrible post
you can do much better. i have seen it
omahacolt - February 16, 2012
I think...
That sounded like a compliment…
kmbryant09 - February 17, 2012
totally agree with you. i haven't been this excited in yrs!
12over18 - February 17, 2012
no you are not the only one
It is an exciting time to be a Colts fan. Yes, we will likely go 4-12 next year, but we’ll be putting together the next foundation of the Colts team. Who knows if it will be a TE, an OLB, etc etc.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
Really?!
“Is he the best quarterback prospect to come out of college since John Elway, who entered the draft back in 1984? Yes.”
So now Luck is a better QB prospect coming out of college than was Peyton Manning? Really? Ok, you have now jumped the shark.
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
Yes
Luck is considered a better prospect coming out of college than Manning.
You might not remember this, but the knocks on Manning out of college were his mobility, arm strength, and the fact he never could QB Tennessee to a win over Florida. This was why there was the whole Manning v. Leaf thing. Leaf had more physical talent than Manning, especially when it came to arm strength. Leaf could flick the football 60 yards with a snap of his wrist.
The reason Manning went No. 1 was because of his mental toughness.
Also, this is just something to pass along, writers at the Indy Star and radio people have always told me that Bill Polian wanted to draft Ryan Leaf. However, Jim Irsay and then-coach Jim Mora Sr. were advocates for Peyton. Mora had known Peyton since Peyton was a little kid working as a ball boy for the Saints. In the end, it was Irsay’s call, and the Colts went for Manning.
We might never know the truth, but the story is fascinating.
Brad Wells - February 16, 2012
Yeah....no Luck isn't.
This is getting out of control….
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
You are either very young
or your memory is shot. There was almost as much talk back then about Manning v Leaf as there is about Manning v Luck right now. Manning and Leaf was a 50/50 proposition. BBS just explained to you why. There was a ton of debate with equal numbers of pundits on either side. So clearly, Manning wasn’t a sure #1 pick like Luck has been for 2 years now.
So please tell me who was a better prospect coming out of college since 1984 than Andrew Luck? Name another that was as highly regarded (both physically and mentally) and generated as much buzz as Andrew Luck. Just because Manning turned out to be great doesn’t mean he was a great prospect or a sure thing. Hell, Tom Brady was a sixth round pick.
Bromantic - February 16, 2012
Todd Marinavich
Thought to be the Greatest prospect EVER! Groomed from the day he was born by all the right people. We see what became of him. The overwelming pressures almost killed him.
shoospa - February 16, 2012
Wrong
He was done as a solid prospect before his final year in college. He got busted for coke before the draft I believe and had a ton of other issues. Definitely not even close on the Andrew Luck scale. In fact, I think he entered the draft after his sophmore season, mainly because he sucked at school and wanted to drop out any way I assume.
Bromantic - February 16, 2012
Not so
He could have enterd the draft after his freshman year. ALL the experts said he was ready and could have gone #1. He was hyped far more than Luck from high school on. And yes the pressures got to him and he turned to drugs. But we all know that could never happen to Luck. Right!
shoospa - February 16, 2012
seriously guy
marinavich had a host of issues. comparing luck to him is just……
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 16, 2012
Didn't compare
He asked for a better prospect, Highly regarded (both mentally and physically) and generated as much buzz as Luck. I NEVER said he was better or could compare. Where did I miss? Seriously! I answered his question with an answer.
shoospa - February 16, 2012
I think you've made a good case, but I still don't think you're right.
But I think the hoopla over him died as he started falling apart which was before the draft. Not to mention he only did 2 years on college. Luck has been talked about longer since he spent more time in school. Not to mention Marinavich never made a one handed catch while falling out of bounds.
Bromantic - February 17, 2012
I saw the ESPN films thing on Marinovich the other day
Very fascinating. His dad was nuts the way they raised him. The dude would be the atithesis of mental toughness.
JHetfield99 - February 16, 2012
you are right
Manning was actually pretty hyped up, but no more so than like a Sam Bradford. Well, maybe slightly more than Sam Bradford. The potential #1 picks are hyped up every year.
Guys like JaMarcuss Russell are also pretty hyped up. Its the nature of the beast, people have a short memory and want to find the next greatest thing.
However, Luck has been as highly buzzed about as I can remember. It seems to be the case that he has the best combinations of physical traits, winning, that “it” factor, and the mental aspect as anyone has ever had.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
i'll be the third to confirm all this info.
hawkeye, you really need to do a bit more homework before you make statements about other people being out of control. no offense, but you are looking really bad right now.
12over18 - February 17, 2012
Actually Iowa
Brad is right on the Manning coming out of college report. Luck has more scouts that consider him a “lock”, while there were some legitimate concerns by quite a few re: Manning – especially because of his lack of mobility and never doing too well vs Florida.
I have NO knowledge of Polian wanting Leaf over Manning. I can’t fathom how that could be possible, when most of the scouts at that time considered Leaf an out-of-nowhere, do-we-really-know-what-he-can-do type of emerging prospect during his Senior year. I do, however, believe Mora having some sway in the argument because of his time in New Orleans.
As Brad says, we’ll probably never really know the whole / true story, but it IS fascinating.
BoilerMacR - February 16, 2012
YOU GET THE DIFFERENCE
between Manning the draft prospect and the QB he ultimately became, right?
javen - February 16, 2012
How stupid are you
Most wanted Leaf. Manning seemingly threw 2 picks in every college game that mattered vs Nebraska and Florida. I remember the time they were upset by Memphis and I thought Tenn was going to blow up according Minn reports.
JHetfield99 - February 16, 2012
Very interesting.
If true, my opinion of Polian has sunk even further, if that’s possible.
Ayrshire - February 16, 2012
B
Brad stop lying. Polian never wanted Leaf. He did his due diligence on him but decided on Peyton. Why don’t you stop stepping on Polian’s gravestone and realize that he oversaw the only success this franchise has ever had in Indy.
I love that you have convinced people you are a fan of the Colts too. You aren’t. You are simply waiting to jump to your next job. You would rather have the Colts pull an Eagles—sign tons of free agents and then underachieve at 8-8 rather than go 10 straight years to the playoffs. Then you could do your gossip column thing all day long and then bash the team in the offseason for doing the very thing you advocated
udllama - February 16, 2012
Yeah
There’s no evidence that says Polian was leaning towards Leaf. Peyton said after working out with the Colts Polian and Irsay looked at each other and said “I think we oughta take this kid”.
Brad’s probably just trying to badmouth Polian some more.
Coltsfan1345 - February 17, 2012
the Polian-wanted-Leaf claim seems ... outrageous.
Have you written about this elsewhere? It seems weird that you’d “just pass this along” in the comments section if credible people have always told you this. I’ve never heard radio/Star people mention it. I’d be interested in reading the evidence if you’d present it with sources.
zherebyonki - February 16, 2012
Yeah, back up that claim
We know Brad hates Polian and this rumor is just another way for him to take a shot at him. Reporting secondhand hearsay is garbage unless you are willing to back it up with fact.
JTBLA - February 16, 2012
He'll post the evidence...just wait
BoilerUp1982 - February 17, 2012
you dont understand what prospect means
do ya hawkeye
omahacolt - February 16, 2012
Really - Yes
The Peyton v Leaf debate was real. Kudos to Peyton for becoming the force he is and making the Colts decade awesome, but coming out of college he was viewed as a safe pick without much upside.
indylator - February 17, 2012
Luck is the best college QB I have ever seen
He is more talented than Peyton physically and if he can match Peyton mentally then we have a hall of fame QB barring injury. I still cant believe that some Colts fans want us to take Robert Griffin. That is absolutely nuts. Griffin may become a good QB but he will not match Luck’s production.
SRBradford - February 16, 2012
Yeah
Why wait, just induct Luck into the Hall of Fame right now.
Wow….
the_iowa_hawkeye - February 16, 2012
And where are you an NFL talent scout?
Or did you just stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
shoospa - February 16, 2012
Oh, so you'll trust NFL Scouts
Oh right – they are saying that Luck is the best college QB since John Elway.
EVERYBODY IS SAYING IT. College football fans. Scouts. GM’s. Analysts. Coaches.
It’s not like one person suggested that Luck was the best QB ever. You clearly don’t believe it – but your opinion holds no more weight than SRBradford’s.
kmbryant09 - February 16, 2012
i have to say, kmb
i am glad you came around to the luck bandwagon
omahacolt - February 16, 2012
Been a roller coaster
Once we landed the #1 overall pick, I’ve been rooting for a healthy Peyton Manning and the Colts to part ways….There’s really no other sensible option.
I was 12 years old when Peyton came out of Tennessee. I loved sports, but wasn’t really old enough to have “a Team”, and for some reason loved watching Peyton play at UT. When he was drafted by the Colts, I instantly became a Colts fan.
This year has taught me that I am both a Peyton Manning fan and a Colts fan. I know some of the older crew won’t understand that, but rarely does a young person root for his very first team because of a singular player.
I will follow the Colts. I will follow Peyton Manning’s next team.
kmbryant09 - February 17, 2012
Wow. This is a coincidence
I was 11, but I also didn’t have a team, until the Colts drafted Manning. I’ve also come to the realization that I’m both a Colts and Manning fan.
I will follow both the Colts and Peyton’s new team very closely. Cool
LeftNutForAStarCenter - February 17, 2012
Best QB ever
Did you read what you wrote? Never have I said Luck would Suck. Do I think he is as good as the hype? Absolutly NOT. Did I ever make a stupid statement like HE is more talented than Mannining? NO. Give me a break. My opinion means NO more than anyone else. Because we are ALL just fans. I will let my teams personel make the decisions. And agree or not, I will be a fan of my team. Some of you people really need to wake up and realize this is for fun and our opinions mean nothing . You are not GM’s, Coaches, or Scouts. Just fans.(except Omaha. He is neither)
shoospa - February 18, 2012
I've seen two of the best QB's (and some other really, really good QB's)
Joe Montana, and then John Elway are the best I ever saw in person when the both played vs Purdue in West Lafayette, as well as on TV at different points in their careers. Watched a bunch of Luck on TV and I don’t see all of the things I saw in those two, but here’s why:
QB’s in todays game have learned the game and position as it has emerged in recent eras. When Montana and Elway played, defenses were still able to tee off on wideouts and QB’s, never really worried much about penalties or fines or suspensions. Now, it’s nearly a wide-open type of game that lends itself to marginal and decent QB’s leading their teams to playoff contention.
While I’m not “all in” on Luck, it has nothing to do with his potential for our team. I just want Indy to trade the pick and move down for me draft choices. Then take that second # 1 and trade it and add even more so we can re-tool across the board, not just at QB. The trade of that 2nd #1 could even go for a premier free agent.
Plus, his dad was an NFL QB and has certainly prepped Andrew to a point that he can’t help but be
BoilerMacR - February 16, 2012
This just doesn't make sense
I understand what you’re saying, but it would be complete foolishness to pass up on a prospect like Luck. It just doesn’t make sense. If Manning was 100% and going to be playing for another 8-10 years, fine, but with Manning an unknown and even in the best-case, likely having only 2-3 years of high-level football left, and on a team that really has no hope of competing with the salary situation and current roster, it makes absolutely no sense to do anything but draft Andrew Luck.
LeftNutForAStarCenter - February 17, 2012
I do disagree with this statement
“That’s just playing the position really well. Michael Vick was far and away more talented than Peyton Manning, but Vick couldn’t hold Manning’s jock when both were playing at a high level.”
When Michael Vick is playing at a high level, he generally is better than anybody playing. Remember the Redskins game last year? The problem is Peyton plays at a high level like 75% of the time, while Michael Vick does like 10% of the time (and I’m actually being really generous to Vick). I think the argument should be based more on a consistently high level.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 16, 2012
I sure wish the Colts would have won another game or 2
I wonder how many of the we’re so lucky to be in position to draft Luck fans would be on here crying that they should trade up to get him? Instead they would be screaming to pay Manning and make another run because the Colts were really not that bad.
shoospa - February 16, 2012
That is totally irrelevant now
We are just dealing with and discussing what is in front of us.
Bromantic - February 16, 2012
Wow!
That video of Luck was pretty impressive. That 50 yd. throw using only his arm while falling down in between two defenders is pretty “Manning-esqe”.
Radcolt - February 16, 2012
i disagree
manning couldnt make that throw
omahacolt - February 16, 2012
Horrible Comment
PeytonTheManning - February 17, 2012
wow!
Screw Mayock! This guy looks impressive.
derrickhatchet - February 16, 2012
maylock also claimed gabbert was the best qb in the draft last year
and like sanchez over stafford
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 16, 2012
LUCK TO GET LUCK
OF COURSE EVERYONE WANTS TO SEE THE COLTS FAIL AND SUCK AND SEE LUCK AS A BUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GETTING HIM
not to mention we should rejoice in no more polians attached to Indy…that supercedes and dwarfs anything….no more mediocrity…yahooooooo
sundaywager - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Mediocrity?
The Texans have been mediocre. Not sure how most wins in a decade spells mediocrity.
That video was impressive.
SmallMarketBigPlays - February 16, 2012
Both QBs have the tools
Both QBs have the tools to be successful. Both improved each year, and had completion rates above 60% both are solid predictors of NFL success.
Either one could be a very good QB as long as they are drafted into the right environment. I don’t see any reason to debate the two. If one ends up putting up better stats, it will be because of better coaching and their offensive line.
PeytonTheManning - February 16, 2012
In Other News ...
Water is still wet.
The North Pole is still cold.
My wife is still pretty. And so on …
Just kidding. Not being a jerk. Just kidding.
I do have some quibbles though.
In what universe is 6’2", 220 lbs. considered “slight”? By comparison, Michael Vick is 5’11", 210. Drew Brees is 6’0", 205. Aaron Rodgers is 6’2", 225. Tony Romo is 6’2", 228. Before you say that the 5 or 6 pounds that Rodgers and Romo have on Griffin III aren’t trivial, need I remind you that those guys have been in NFL weight rooms for years. I can assure you that were RG3 not a track sprinter, no one would call him slight or an injury risk. They do so only because they erroneously believe that he is going to play the position the same way that Vince Young did. By the way … his build had nothing to do with his tearing his ACL, and that concussion against Texas Tech was all about his head slamming hard against the turf after a monster hit. If anything, RG3’s injuries are about the downside of playing in those 4 WR spread offenses that don’t protect the QB, not his build, and those offenses got Sam Bradford – who is 6’4", 225 lbs. – hurt in college also.
Luck IS NOT a better prospect than Manning. Luck has more athletic ability – though not a lot more – but Manning is taller and had a stronger arm. Manning and Luck were also about equal in their knowledge of the game when they came into the NFL. Luck played in a better, more sophisticated offense at Stanford, while Manning was … well Manning. Really the only physical advantage that Luck has over Manning is scrambling/running ability. That’s it. In every other way, Manning is physically superior.
Luck moves around better than Bradford because where Luck is a very good runner for a dropback QB, Bradford is a statue. I have no idea why Bradford was the #1 overall pick. They called Bradford a taller Drew Brees, but Brees is plenty mobile. Brees doesn’t run for yardage – though he could if he wanted – but he rolls from side to side all the time and can throw while running to his right or his left. Bradford should have been drafted in the same spot that Joe Flacco was, or slightly higher. Luck is similar to Bradford ONLY if you look at height and arm strength. In every other way, Luck is superior.
Luck is not as strong as Tim Tebow. You won’t see Luck running through 3-4 NFL guys trying to bring him down the way that Tebow did. Tebow honestly could be a Mike Alstott type player if he were to play RB. Tebow also has a stronger arm than Luck, and that is with that horrible footwork and throwing motion that reduces his arm strength. Tebow’s problem is inaccuracy, and a general inability to run an NFL offense.
Bradford didn’t make the throws or plays in college that Luck did because Bradford’s offense didn’t require them. That is what I really like about Luck. Stanford runs an old-school power running offense, and Luck has to make a lot more throws in obvious passing situations than Bradford or most other QBs playing the college game did. And Luck didn’t have any elite WRs either. Even though he doesn’t have a big cannon like Matt Stafford, the throws that Luck will have to make in the NFL, he has already regularly had to make them at Stanford: intermediate and down the field throws into tight spaces that require pinpoint accuracy and perfect timing. That is why I will be totally shocked if Luck doesn’t play well in the NFL, and doesn’t do so fairly quickly.
an_auburn_fan - February 16, 2012
just look at rg3.....he has a slight build
hell even greenie and golic said he wasn’t very big when he came into the studio.
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 16, 2012
and bradford was skinny in college
it was a concern for scouts, but he put on about 15lbs of muscle before the combine
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 16, 2012
Now that right there is a hell of a post
You nailed virtually every point; but Luck’s arm is every bit the arm Manning had when he was at Tennessee
TheNaturalMevs - February 16, 2012
From Rotoworld
One NFL GM told CBS Sports’ Clark Judge that he’s “hearing” Baylor QB Robert Griffin III will measure in closer to 6-foot at next week’s Combine than the 6-foot-2 he was listed in college.
Judge expects RG3’s stock to “rise” in Indianapolis, but it could take a hit early in the week if he measures in smaller and lighter than expected. Griffin’s official listing by Baylor was 6-foot-2, 220. Measuring in at 6-foot-1 wouldn’t hurt much, but 6-foot-0 could certainly raise some pre-draft eyebrows. Feb. 17 – 5:35 pm et
Coltsfan1345 - February 17, 2012
This article was written last year and tipped my decision to renew my season tix
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/818458-the-perfect-prospect-why-andrew-luck-is-better-than-peyton-manning
indylator - February 17, 2012
It's hard for me
to take people who don’t think Luck is a better prospect than Manning seriously. Even though, as I type this, the Peyton Manning bobblehead on my desk is judging me, the only thing the guy didn’t excel in at the college level was having a charming southern drawl. Awesome grades, awesome personality, awesome command on the field, awesome preparation and awesome athleticism. Luck has been the consensus overall pick for more than a season, and when he announced he wasn’t going to the draft, he was the heisman frontrunner for most of the year. I’m not saying he’s the next Peyton Manning, but he was definitely one of the top 2 college players in the last two years, and definitely the best quarterback.
andyprocombat - February 17, 2012
Is there a brace on that 22 million dollar knee?
Just asking…
Chuck136 - February 17, 2012
You are correct, that is a knee brace; however
there is no need to worry about him having a bad knee (least not at this juncture of his career). Many teams have their QB’s wear knee braces on their front leg to help prevent injuries. I have also heard that many teams also do the same with their OL, except on both knees, for the very same reason.
hcubed - February 17, 2012
Have to take LUCK- a no brainer
RG3 is great but he is to small and the way he plays he will be hurt all the time like Vick
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 17, 2012
Luck is a fantastic QB
A player like this doesn’t come around every year. Gotta grab him when you have the chance.
Coltsfan1345 - February 17, 2012
So far the only knocks I've seen against Luck are
because everyone thinks he’s best QB to come out of college since John Elway that means he’ll be a bust. And one person said that because he’s going to go #1 overall that means he’s not going to be that good because #1 picks don’t always succeed or something dumb like that which has no relevance to Luck.
When someone finds an actual flaw or weakness in Luck the quarterback’s game, than we’ll talk. Don’t tell me he’s not going to be good because Mel Kiper thinks he is.
Coltsfan1345 - February 17, 2012
Jeez...
Enough is enough! Manning is injured and the franchise moves on with Luck…
Get over it yall
(206)NightRidah - February 18, 2012
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