2016 NFL Training Camp Profile: Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck missed the majority of the 2015 NFL season due to injuries, and the Indianapolis Colts fell way short of their expectations. They were expected to contend for a Super Bowl appearance but ended up missing the postseason. After a full offseason to think about their failures, the Colts are ready to head into training camp and prove that they are a powerhouse in the AFC once again.

Last season with the Colts, Luck ended up playing in just seven regular season games. He completed just 55.3 percent of his pass attempts for 1,881 yards, 15 touchdowns, and a very concerning 12 interceptions. Luck also fumbled the football twice in the limited action that he saw.

One of Luck’s biggest issues throughout his young career has been turnovers. He turns the football over way too often and has not shown much improvement in that area.

That being said, the Colts have complete faith that he will come back stronger than ever in 2016 and will be a much-improved player. Jim Irsay was confident enough in his quarterback to give him a five-year, $122.97 million contract this offseason.

What should the Colts and their fans look for and expect to see from Luck during 2016 NFL training camp?

What Should Luck Show Improvement In?

First of all, there are a few different areas that Luck must show improvement in from his first few years.

Luck has to take the next step when it comes to taking care of the football. If he wants to become an elite quarterback and be the guy that takes the Colts to a championship, he cannot continue trying to force the issue. He needs to learn when to make the easy play and when to take a sack rather than trying to make a play.

He will also have to become a better leader on-the-field for his offense. There have been flashes of leadership with Luck, but he has never been the type of leader that Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers have been for their respective teams.

What Can the Colts and Fans Expect to See from Luck?

Moving on to what should be expected from Luck, it is a very simple question to answer. Luck is getting paid like the NFL’s best quarterback. He isn’t the best quarterback in the NFL, but he needs to get back to the kind of production that he was putting up two seasons ago for the Colts.

Just two short years ago, Luck completed 61.7 percent of his pass attempts for 4,761 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He also racked up 273 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Indianapolis should expect to see their star quarterback get his feet back under him. That is not saying that he will fix all the issues in his game, but he will get back to being a serious threat. He will never become an elite quarterback until the turnover numbers are lower, but he is certainly good enough to be an NFL star.

Chuck Pagano and the coaching staff will do everything in their power to protect Luck. Ryan Grigson and the front office brought in a lot of offensive line talent in the NFL Draft, which should help that cause.

Way Too Early Statistical Predictions for Andrew Luck in 2016

Predicting stats for a player ahead of the season is never an easy task, especially for a player like Luck. He will have to stay healthy and there in no telling how much he learned from the sidelines last year.

Even though it is difficult to do, there are reasonable statistics that should be expected from Luck.

He should complete at least 64.0 percent of his passes, which would surprisingly be the highest of his career. Luck should also be able to throw for at least 4,000 yards with the offense that Indianapolis has put around him. At least 35 touchdowns should be thrown, and Luck should be able to cut down his interception number to 12 or under.

Expect to see Luck have a big bounce back season, and don’t be surprised to see the Colts back at the top of the AFC and in serious contention to make a deep playoff run.

Do you think Andrew Luck will have a big season in 2016? What are you expecting to see from him in training camp and preseason action? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Michael Conroy/AP Images]