Why Andrew Luck Will Have a Superior Career to Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning has achieved all the benchmarks that an NFL career can be measured by. A record of four MVP Awards, numerous passing milestones and franchise records—and a Super Bowl ring give him one of the most prolific legacies in NFL history. 

But as Manning's career winds down rather quickly, his heir-apparent and near-mirror image in Andrew Luck gets ready for a probable move to Indianapolis. The young Stanford QB will give the Colts continued security at the most important position in football for a long time, and he will not only be the transition from Manning—but will eclipse him in the future.

Luck and Manning are as similar as two quarterbacks can be. Both are cerebral, very intelligent players that understand the complexities of a pro-offense and have the skill for reading defenses. As a subsequent result, fans will continue to see the hurry up and audibles called at the line when Luck takes the helm in Indy.

Manning set the standard for pocket presence with his quick steps moving to deliver a strike, but Luck is already polished in that aspect. Another similarity that the two have is being able to throw the football with excellent touch and good velocity. 

However, the two big things that set Andrew Luck apart are his mobility and poise in pressure situations.

Everything about Luck says prototypical pocket passer—a role he plays extremely well. But the game is starting to move away from traditional and generally stationary pocket-passers to quarterbacks like Rodgers, Newton and, yes—Tim Tebow, who can make plays both through the air and on the ground.

Luck isn't a true dual threat, but he has the combination of size and mobility to the point where he will be able to shake off rushers, improvise and extend plays like Ben Roethlisberger does.

That skill becomes invaluable when his talent as a traditional quarterback is factored in, and adds another element that opposing defenses will have to plan for. Manning isn't a statue on the field by any means, but he has never had the ability to make plays with his feet like Luck does when teams drop back into coverage.

After leading one of the top-college teams in the country and going through several intense and high-stake games this season, Andrew Luck was noticeably composed and poised through the wins and also the losses.

Not to say that Manning lacks poise, but during the years of Brady and the Patriots hounding him—his body language often said dejected and frustrated. No matter what happens, the Colts can count on Luck being unflappable behind center.

Andrew Luck represents the changing of the guard—the end of the old Manning and Brady era to the faster and more athletic present day. It won't happen right away, but he has all the tools he needs and more to surpass Peyton Manning and become the new gold standard at quarterback.