This is a bit too complex a narrative for me, buddy. I really don't think he's hit some plateau/brick wall based upon some sort of definitive limitations. I think it's more-so just circumstances, a slump, and injury.
Mental regression is hard to gauge, especially when he's only played 2 healthy games this season. He certainly came into this season focused on limiting his turnovers, it was the feature of every offseason interview I saw with him, and maybe between that and all of the MVP talk, he developed a bit of a mind fuck slump early on -- and then he got hurt.
Not sure that a bruised rotator cuff is worse than a subluxation. Brees arm is definitely not as strong as Luck's at this point, in general, but I don't know about the rest of that TB scenario because I didn't watch that game, or see much of the Saints early on.
I don't agree with Luck putting his typical zip on the ball, though. He's the QB of my fantasy team, I've been watching Indy play more than my own team, and his passes are definitely sailing more than usual; he's not driving the ball the same.
You could say that maybe he's not trusting his instincts or reads enough right now, that definitely seems true, but it's probably for multiple reasons -- including carrying an injury, which does create some doubt. You're right, he's holding the ball too long, and trying to make every play a big play, but I don't think it's all on him.
The point I feel is more important, is that Luck and his OC need to be more judicious/conservative in their decision making/play calling, and settling for/calling more underneath and intermediate routes, so that he can get the ball out quicker, not force as much downfield, not take the big hits. Pep made those specific adjustments in his play calling for Hasselbeck (more quick timing routes, shorter plays in general), because he obviously doesn't have the arm strength at age 40 -- which is a big part of why the ball was getting out quicker, and he didn't end up getting hit as much as Luck has been. He also made better decisions than Luck has shown, but decision making isn't the backup's weakness at this point. Arm talent is.
As for the OL and RB excuses I was talking about, of course those are factors that can significantly impact the performance of a younger QB who's breaking into the league (first 2-3 years) -- and Luck played quite well despite those excuses, given the total situation in Indy. Rodgers wasn't playing during those years, so not much of a comparable to be made, just different. This year, Luck actually has decent RBs... although his OLine still blows
Anyway, I really doubt that he's going to endure a sustained, legitimate regression because they've giving him more responsibilities. He's a very bright dude, and that seems quite a premature assessment. I think it's much more likely he's in a slump, he's been hurt, and now he's feeling the pressure because things haven't gone smoothly. He'll bounce back, IMO, the question is whether or not it happens this season.
Mental regression is hard to gauge, especially when he's only played 2 healthy games this season. He certainly came into this season focused on limiting his turnovers, it was the feature of every offseason interview I saw with him, and maybe between that and all of the MVP talk, he developed a bit of a mind fuck slump early on -- and then he got hurt.
Not sure that a bruised rotator cuff is worse than a subluxation. Brees arm is definitely not as strong as Luck's at this point, in general, but I don't know about the rest of that TB scenario because I didn't watch that game, or see much of the Saints early on.
I don't agree with Luck putting his typical zip on the ball, though. He's the QB of my fantasy team, I've been watching Indy play more than my own team, and his passes are definitely sailing more than usual; he's not driving the ball the same.
You could say that maybe he's not trusting his instincts or reads enough right now, that definitely seems true, but it's probably for multiple reasons -- including carrying an injury, which does create some doubt. You're right, he's holding the ball too long, and trying to make every play a big play, but I don't think it's all on him.
The point I feel is more important, is that Luck and his OC need to be more judicious/conservative in their decision making/play calling, and settling for/calling more underneath and intermediate routes, so that he can get the ball out quicker, not force as much downfield, not take the big hits. Pep made those specific adjustments in his play calling for Hasselbeck (more quick timing routes, shorter plays in general), because he obviously doesn't have the arm strength at age 40 -- which is a big part of why the ball was getting out quicker, and he didn't end up getting hit as much as Luck has been. He also made better decisions than Luck has shown, but decision making isn't the backup's weakness at this point. Arm talent is.
As for the OL and RB excuses I was talking about, of course those are factors that can significantly impact the performance of a younger QB who's breaking into the league (first 2-3 years) -- and Luck played quite well despite those excuses, given the total situation in Indy. Rodgers wasn't playing during those years, so not much of a comparable to be made, just different. This year, Luck actually has decent RBs... although his OLine still blows
Anyway, I really doubt that he's going to endure a sustained, legitimate regression because they've giving him more responsibilities. He's a very bright dude, and that seems quite a premature assessment. I think it's much more likely he's in a slump, he's been hurt, and now he's feeling the pressure because things haven't gone smoothly. He'll bounce back, IMO, the question is whether or not it happens this season.
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