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Patriots Coaches Have ‘Ton of Respect’ for Andrew Luck, View Him as Better Than Just ‘Rookie’ Quarterback

Andrew Luck is just nine games into his rookie season, but he’s already playing like a seasoned veteran.

Luck, who is among the league leaders with 2,631 passing yards, has led the Colts on one of the most dramatic turnarounds in NFL history. One season after finishing as the league’s worst team with a 2-14 record, Luck has Indianapolis sitting at 6-3 and staring down a potential playoff berth.

The 23-year-old’s presence, leadership and pure ability on the football field have helped the Colts develop into one of the most impressive teams in the NFL this season. Luck is receiving plenty of attention for his efforts, and you can mark Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ coaching staff among those impressed.

“I think the things that we knew about him coming out have certainly played out this season,” Belichick said during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday. “Big kid, good arm, can make all the throws, very athletic, good movement in the pocket, handles the offense well. They do a lot of checking and changing plays and you can see him handling the offensive team in those situations, as well as end of the game-type situations where he’s got to make good situational plays and decisions. He’s done a good job in all of those things.”

Luck currently has the Colts on a four-game winning streak and the young signal-caller has been sensational over the stretch, completing 64 percent of his passes and accounting for seven touchdowns (three passing and four rushing) while turning the ball over just twice. He’s been so impressive, in fact, that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is even dishing out some praise.

“I think the most important thing is he’s really handled some tough, difficult situations, close games, and played really big in those situations and helped his team to victory,” McDaniels said. “I’ve got a ton of respect for him.”

The biggest compliment of all, though, may have come from the man who is charged with defending the rookie phenom on Sunday. New England’s defensive coordinator Matt Patricia sees Luck as more than your typical rookie quarterback.

“I certainly understand that he has the title of a rookie, but we’re well into the season and he’s played quite a few games in the NFL,” Patricia added of Luck. “He’s doing a good job of really handling that offense and running that offense and putting them in good situations to win football games. I think that’s what you want to get out of your quarterback.”

Belichick and company may not be so enthusiastic about Luck come Sunday, especially given the current state of the New England secondary.

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Photo via Facebook/Colts