Happy 2012, readers! Yes, this early on in the year, a crucial issue has caught my eye: the Colts have earned the number one draft pick.
Yes, I do know that this means their season of one win and god KNOWS how many losses has earned them this title. Needless to say, the lack of Peyton Manning was their serious downfall. But do you know who is entering the draft this year? As the projected number one overall pick? The leading man of my other favorite team, Andrew Luck of the Stanford Cardinal.
Is this not a match made in football heaven?
Now, I know there is a division in the football community over feeling “Luck”-y vs. selecting Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor. However, it seems Colts owner Jim Irsay is leaning in the direction of Luck, and reader, I will tell you why this is a good idea.
As a born Stanford fan (thank you, Jeff Scheel) and avid lover of the boys in blue, maybe I am a little biased. But I think my argument makes a lick o’ sense. Now, if the Colts were hypothetically to draft Robert Griffin, I don’t think they would be making a terrible life choice or anything – he is an amazing athlete, has the best deep ball in college football, and is fully equipped with all the talents necessary for the makings of a great NFL quarterback. So why not scoop him up?
It’s simple: Andrew Luck has the consistency factor. The guy is already used to running a pro-style offense, under both Harbaugh and Shaw. This would ease his transition to the Indianapolis no-huddle, where he could be confident with his mobility in the pocket due to the experience under his belt. And might I add that he has yet to throw an interception in the Red Zone this ENTIRE season? Sounds like Peyton status to me…
Yet, Andrew’s job isn’t to become a Peyton Manning replica. Once comfortable with the workings of Indianapolis-style football, the rookie QB can add his own flavor and spice to the offense. Certain ESPN critics are concerned because Andrew seems like the “safe” choice, and that Peyton’s contract in question combined with health issues would create a conflict for the starting QB spot (would Luck start right away and Peyton enter the draft as a free agent, or would Peyton start for a few years more with Luck hovering over him?). These are all golden questions. BUT, I believe I have the answer. If you want wins, and fast, wouldn’t you want to go with the consistency factor, aka Luck? Whether Peyton or Andrew ends up starting, both are consistent in the quarterback position. And as for the tension between quarterbacks…Peyton, as much as I love you, put your big boy football pants on and mentor the kid, because he will be even more amazing with your stellar influence.
That is Scheel’s schpeal (say THAT three times fast!), obviously nothing is set in stone. Now I know I am no ESPN analyst (though I one day hope to be, and if anyone who is an employee at ESPN and is reading this I would love to intern) but if Irsay continues down the yellow brick road to Andrew Luck happiness, I think it will produce excellent things for him, his franchise, and his fans, like yours truly. But readers, I am curious what you think! Feel free to HMU (for those of you who don’t know, that’s hit me up) with your thoughts. (I know some people are SMH right now after that…so many abbrevs, so many activities!)
Well, senioritis has gotten the best of me. Now, on to the rest of my life. Go Card, and Go Colts.
Until next time…Scheel is out.
