Andrew Luck: Colts Fans Must Keep Expectations Low for New Face of Franchise

Andrew Luck dominated for two seasons as the starting quarterback at Stanford and he'll eventually do the same for the Indianapolis Colts—just not right away. A lackluster supporting cast means Colts fans must give Luck a little leeway just like they did with Peyton Manning in 1998.

As the Colts fanbase will remember, the team went 3-13 in its first season with Manning leading the way. The highly-touted prospect out of Tennessee threw more interceptions than touchdowns, leaving some questions about his ability to adapt to the next level.

The tireless worker—and by all accounts, Luck falls into the same category—made major strides during the offseason before leading the Colts to a 10-game turnaround and a playoff berth. The rest, including a Super Bowl victory, is history.

When Luck lines up under center next season, the team around him will lack the firepower necessary for him to dominate. Reggie Wayne isn't the dynamic option he was during his prime and Austin Collie has struggled mightily with injuries.

Beyond that, the Colts don't have a lot of depth at the receiver or tight end spots. Add in a running game that's currently led by Donald Brown, who was considered a bust before showing a few glimpses of potential last season, and Luck's chances of thriving take a serious hit.

That's why it's important for fans to take his numbers with a grain of salt. If Manning can throw 28 interceptions and turn into one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, nothing Luck does in his rookie season should worry the Colts or their supporters.

It's almost like the team has wiped the slate clean and will pretend it's 1998 all over again. General manager Ryan Grigson will take Luck to become the face of the franchise and will slowly add pieces around him to make the team a contender again.

After being spoiled with nine straight trips to the playoffs, it won't be easy for Colts fans to accept sitting on the sidelines for a couple years in a row, but Luck should give them reason for optimism.

Since the Colts drafted Manning, other franchises have gone through quarterbacks at a rapid rate without finding one with as much upside as Luck. It took the perfect storm of circumstances for Indianapolis to transition from one star to another, but it worked out well.

Instead of complaining about every bad read or poor pass from Luck, Colts fans should just sit back and enjoy the ride. Even though it will be a bumpy one for a while, it will work out just fine in the long run.