Andrew Luck’s health status looms large on the NFL landscape. So large, in fact, I’ve factored it into all my NFC South win total articles. It’s just that big a deal for the Indianapolis Colts.
It’s still kind of up in the air at this point what Luck’s shoulder will allow him to do and BetDSI Sportsbook is hedging a little on the Colts’ win total. Here’s what they’re offering.
Indianapolis Colts 2018-19 Regular Season Win Total
Over 7.5 (-115)
Under 7.5 (-115)
Luck, of course, didn’t take a snap under center for the Colts last season. That honor, for 15 games, belonged to second-year quarterback Jacoby Brissett, Brissett played his ass off for Indianapolis in less than stellar conditions, helping the team to a 4-12 finish. With Chuck Pagano as the head coach, if Brissett hadn’t been as good as he was, this was a team that might not have won a game.
If Luck has a setback or there’s something really wrong in his shoulder, Brissett is a solid band aid, but he’s not getting the team to eight wins. He’s a back up and a good one, but it’s just not happening. Not with this roster.
Reich and general manager Chris Ballard have put together a team that still has plenty of gaping holes. They did improve the offensive line, adding Quenton Nelson in the draft at guard. They finally have an NFL starting five to block for whoever is playing QB.
There’s major issues across the board at the skill positions. T.Y. Hilton is one of the great forgotten wide receivers in the league. With Brissett at QB, he still nearly hit 1,000 yards receiving, catching 57 passes for 966 yards and four touchdowns. The problem is the Colts haven’t helped him out with other pass-catchers. Ryan Grant is slated to start opposite him and the only wideout on their roster I like behind him is rookie Deon Cain out of Clemson.
Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron will make a nice tandem at tight end, but Indianapolis has nothing at running back. Second-year man Marlon Mack is slated to start rookies Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins as his back ups. This is a team that really needs to call DeMarco Murray. Dez Bryant too.
Colts target training camp return for Andrew Luck, 2018 edition https://t.co/b4g8fY14ac
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 11, 2018
The defense is an odd blend of free agents and young players. There’s some talent there, especially with Malik Hooker at free safety and Quincy Wilson at corner.
We can talk about the rest of the roster all we want, but we all know it comes down to Luck and his surgically repaired shoulder. Here’s the good news; Reich is preparing for the season as if Luck will play every down. Luck still hasn’t thrown a regulation football, so that should give us pause, but his brain is “fully engaged” and that means good things if his body doesn’t betray him.
With a healthy Luck on the field, Indianapolis’ schedule is irrelevant. They will be in and able to win every game, just like the Pittsburgh Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger and the New England Patriots with Tom Brady. That’s what a superstar quarterback gives you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVVmVtZMrZ8
I’m betting on Luck. I say take the over.
