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Colts QB coach: Andrew Luck should not be double-digit INT guy

Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck turns the ball over too often. At least, that’s the opinion of Indianapolis Colts quarterback coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Schottenheimer thinks that Luck’s interception total should be no more than nine.

“We say this all the time: Andrew should not be a double-digit interception guy,’’ Schottenheimer said, per Mike Chappell of WTTV in Indianapolis. “That’s the phrase we use. He’s just too good of a player. … If he can eliminate some of those decision interceptions – I think there’s five or six – those numbers drop significantly.’’

Luck has only fallen short of double-digit interceptions once, when he threw nine picks in 2013. Even in 2015, when he played only seven games, Luck threw 12 interceptions.

A lot of this is on Luck. There’s no doubt. Like many great quarterbacks with big arms, Luck has a tendency to get aggressive on passes. Sometimes those work out on plays that you see on the highlight reels. Other times, they end up on highlight reels for the wrong reasons.

But the interception issue isn’t Luck’s alone.

Colts receivers can certainly do a better job of getting open. T.Y. Hilton has been a relatively consistent playmaker through his career. But Luck hasn’t ever really had consistent second or third options. Obviously, if a quarterback is throwing into heavy coverage, the chances for an interception are increased.

The more pressing issue is that the Indianapolis offensive line has done an abysmal job of protecting Luck since his first day in the league.

Obviously, a heavy hit load can have a long-term impact on Luck’s ability to remain a franchise quarterback. But specific to this issue is that even when Luck’s passes aren’t impacted by him getting hit, heavy pressure leads to quick throws. Quick throws are not always accurate, and even when they are, defensive backs can confidently jump routes when their pass rushing teammates are forcing the quarterback’s hand.

All of the interceptions go on Luck’s record. But not all of them are his fault. If Luck’s going to get into single-digit interception totals, the Colts offense is going to have to improve across the board.

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