During the NFL Midseason Report Conference Call, analysts Bill Cowher, Kurt Warner, Steve Mariucci, and Phil Simms weighed in on a number of NFL-related topics. It’s been a year of intrigue in regards to quarterbacks, and the immediate questions in the call reflected that. Especially regarding two signal callers, both of which reside in a “South” division.
Jameis Winston’s improvements and Andrew Luck’s recent struggles quickly surfaced as talking points, with Warner addressing the former.
“I just think what you saw early was a young guy that was asked to do a lot, was trying to play in his skill set and was just forcing too many balls down the field,” Warner said of Winston.
“You saw a number of interceptions there. And as these guys have talked about, I think he’s starting to settle in,” Warner said before mentioning Winston’s success passing at the second-level, over the linebackers.
With Winston cutting back on turnovers, and Doug Martin returning to form, Tampa Bay could be set to have a solid year on the offensive side of the ball.
Andrew Luck’s issues were bound to be brought to light, though this recent matchup may have oddly provided a renaissance for Luck and Indianapolis. The Colts are now 4-5 after defeating the Broncos, and while they had an excellent game, it’s clear that they’ve lost a step from last year.
Luck has 12 interceptions and 3 fumbles on the year, many of which he’d take the brunt of the blame for. Simms responded to a question about Luck possibly being “broken,” and speculations about what could “fix” him:
“I’ll say this, when you see it’s broke, can you ever get him back to where you think he should be or where we all think he will go to, and of course he will. The talent is overwhelming. He throws many, many interceptions. Why? He has the strength, the size, and the courage to stand in there and make throws that most guys would not try.”
In some instances, such as last night against Denver, those risks will pan out. In others, as his numerous interceptions will point out, the risks can lead to a huge momentum shift favoring the opposition. Football is a strange game. Many of us likely expected a struggling Colts team to be overwhelmed by the stifling Denver defense, but this turned out to be just the team Andrew Luck and company needed to face.
Nothing is supposed to go right in Indiana for too long, though, as Andrew Luck’s lacerated kidney will cost him “at least a month,” according to Rotoworld.
However, seven wins might just win you the AFC South this year.