National Football League

Andrew Luck talks Super Bowl hopes and Patriots

Published Jul. 7, 2015 11:39 a.m. ET

foxsports

By David Kenyon

The Indianapolis Colts added a couple more weapons for quarterback Andrew Luck, and the 25-year-old star believes the team has done enough to reach the pinnacle of professional football.

In an interview with Neil Reynolds of Brit View NFL, Luck said he thinks the Colts should be in the conversation as a team with a real shot to win the Super Bowl:

“It’s everybody’s goal to go out and win the Super Bowl—I’d like to think we have a realistic chance. We certainly have the guys to get it done, the coaching staff and the support so that’s what we’re working for.”

Luck paced the league with 40 passing touchdowns last season, racking up 4,761 yards and tossing just 16 interceptions. He also recorded 273 rushing yards and three scores.

The franchise bolstered Luck’s offensive arsenal, snagging three University of Miami products during the offseason. Two veterans—running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Andre Johnson—signed via free agency, and speedy wideout Phillip Dorsett was the team’s first-round pick.

Indianapolis has gone one step further in the playoffs throughout each of Luck’s three NFL campaigns, bowing out in the AFC Wild Card round during his rookie year. The New England Patriots bounced the Colts from the Divisional and AFC Championship games in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Luck told Reynolds that Indy cannot afford to circle its Oct. 18 meeting with the pesky Patriots, lest the Colts lose focus against other teams:

“The Patriots are obviously the defending Super Bowl champs and our defending conference champs so there’s a high amount of respect for that team and what they do. … There are fans and media who will hype up certain games and circle them in red on the calendar but, as a player, you lose sight of what’s important if you get into that mode.”

For once, a player who says his team can win the Super Bowl is actually correct. Indianapolis improved its already dangerous offense, and New England retooled its terrific defense.

Plus, since Tom Brady may still be suspended, the Colts could be favored to clinch home-field advantage in the AFC. Both playoff matchups were played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, and perhaps the third time is indeed the charm for Luck.

Bovada lists Indianapolis with 8:1 odds to win the Super Bowl—just edging the Patriots at 9:1—so Vegas believes the Colts have a realistic chance, too.

Reminder: Don’t mess with Vegas.

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