FOXBORO, Mass. — There isn’t much that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck can’t do, according to Bill Belichick, who knows a thing or two about elite signal-callers.
The New England Patriots head coach heaped high praise on Luck during his conference call with the Indianapolis media Wednesday.
“He’s got an excellent arm, can make all the throws, got a lot of poise in the pocket, a big, strong guy that’s hard to tackle, can extend plays with his legs and his playing strength,” Belichick said. “He’s got good vision, does a good job at the line of scrimmage changing plays, using the snap count, things like that. He’s really a complete quarterback and does a great job.”
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reiterated some of Belichick’s points Wednesday during his weekly meeting with the New England media, saying that Luck “does a lot of things that I wish I could do.”
Luck has thrown for 3,085 yards with 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season while completing 63.6 percent of his passes. He’s also run for 129 yards on 35 carries with two touchdowns.
Reggie Wayne has caught 42 of Luck’s passes for 504 yards with two touchdowns. The Patriots showed interest in Wayne, who ultimately decided to return to the Colts, when the receiver was a free agent in 2012.
“He looks good,” Belichick said of the 35-year-old 14th-year pro. “Again, really one of the best route runners obviously in the game now, maybe ever in the game. He really does a great job of making all the routes look the same. He’s got really good quickness to separate at the top of the route. He’s good on releases and smart in zones to find the open space.
“Good hands, made a big play after the catch (last week) down the sideline there. Caught the ball, broke a tackle, 40-yard touchdown, so he’s still dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’s an excellent route runner. I’m sure the quarterback, Luck, has a lot of confidence in him, which he should, because he’s such a dependable guy.”
Wayne is second on the Colts in yards and receptions behind receiver T.Y. Hilton, who has 56 catches for 937 yards with three touchdowns.
Photo via Jim O’Connor/USA TODAY Sports Images
