Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck Declared To Be The Next Dan Marino

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 2, 2016; London, ENG; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) works around Jacksonville Jaguars defense during the fourth quarter at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

At first reaction one would think it’s a great thing that Andrew Luck could be considered the next Dan Marino, right? Well that depends on context.

Marino was one of the greatest passers in NFL history. He owned every meaningful record by the time he retired, went to nine Pro Bowls and really revolutionized the game. The thing is his name can’t be brought up without referencing one black mark on his otherwise spotless resumé. He never won a Super Bowl. In fact Marino only made it to the big game once in 17 years and was soundly defeated.

Many felt this was indicative of the man just not being a clutch quarterback. However, given the 36 comebacks he had and 51 game-winning drives, it’s safe to say that can’t be it. In reality the problem was the Miami Dolphins organization. In his entire career the team had a top 10 defense just three times. They also never fielded a single Pro Bowl running back. In 17 seasons. That is just downright sad.

It’s also the exact same danger that Andrew Luck faces in Indianapolis. Dan Hanzus of NFL.com was posed the question of whether Derek Carr would be the next Dan Marino. One who put up huge numbers but could never win a championship. Hanzus believes Luck is the far bigger threat to fill that comparison.

“Luck would love to be Dan Marino, who certainly deserved better but was at least surrounded by some proper talent. The vast majority of the Colts’ roster is mediocre, and hot-takers are asking what’s wrong with Andrew Luck? It’s the other way around: What’s wrong with Andrew Luck is the damn Colts.

The good news: Luck is still just 27 years old and should have 7-to-10 prime years left, assuming the Colts’ line doesn’t get him killed first. There is time to figure this out. But time is wasting. To get 20-plus years of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck and only come out of it with one title would be an abuse of riches worthy of criminal prosecution.”

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No question. It’s incredible how fortunate the Colts franchise has been with quarterbacks over the years. Johnny Unitas became the father of the modern position, winning three championships during his Hall of Fame run. They would’ve had John Elway if their ownership hadn’t had such a terrible reputation by the 1980s. Then they get Peyton Manning during his greatest heights and now Luck. Other franchises would kill for such good fortune yet to see the Colts boast just two Lombardi trophies across that span is rather unimpressive.

That’s an indictment on the organization itself. Though they seem able to find great quarterbacks, they’ve never been the best on building great rosters overall. This latest attempt by the Grigson regime may be the saddest excuse to date. As his fingerprints take over more and more of the roster, it gets worse. Luck is like Atlas, trying to hold a world on his shoulders. He may prevent it from collapsing, but isn’t strong enough to lift it higher.

Just like Marino. They still have time to right this wrong, but not as much as people think. If Grigson isn’t up to the challenge, then they need to find somebody who is.

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