Luck exceeds expectations

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - In Andrew Luck’s first game as an Indianapolis Colt, the rookie QB didn’t just live up to the expectations left by his predecessor, he exceeded them.

“[With that] first pass, he can retire and go to the hall of fame now,” joked Colts linebacker Robert Mathis after the game.

From Luck’s very first play, he only added firepower to the Peyton Manning comparisons. His debut was eerily similar to Manning’s in 1998. On each’s first professional play, their target took it in for their first career passing touchdown; Luck’s to Donald Brown and Manning’s to Marvin Harrison.

“It’s probably the easiest touchdown pass I’ll ever have,” said Luck. “I guess it’s a coincidence, funny huh?”

Luck has also generated the same buzz as the legend who came before in the locker room.

“It's something special for a rookie to come out here and keep his composure like he did,” said Colts receiver Austin Collie.

“He’s so efficient and makes all the right reads, and because of that, he makes me better, Drew better, because we get the chance to learn from him,” added Colts backup quarterback Chandler Harnish. “He’s just unbelievable and we follow him, he’ll take us to the promised land.”

There’s no question where Luck stands in the eyes of Colts’ owner Jim Irsay. Following Luck’s first touchdown, Irsay tweeted, “The legend has begun.”