2011 Indianapolis Colts: Why Not Tank for Andrew Luck?

Peyton Manning's multiple neck injuries and surgeries has turned the Indianapolis Colts from contenders to bottom dwellers. We all knew the Colts wouldn't be the same with anyone but Peyton under center, but no one thought they would be this different.

With an 0-3 record and problems all over the field, talk is bound to start up about tanking to draft consensus No. 1 pick Andrew Luck a.k.a. Peyton Manning 2.0.

Peyton is 35 years old, isn't getting any younger and seems to be oft-injured now. These aren't good traits for a franchise player and things aren't looking promising for Peyton and the Colts.

Talks about him retiring have come up, creating even more fuel to the Luck possibility.  

Luck is widely considered to be the No. 1 draft choice, and would have been a Carolina Panther if he had come out for last year's draft.

Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN says this about Luck, "He's the total package. Arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor."

Rob Rang of CBSSports.com says, "Luck's combination of intelligence, poise and accuracy will make him an immediate standout in the NFL."

Luck is the closest thing we have seen to Peyton Manning since Peyton himself, and should have the same immediate impact Manning had once he entered the league.

Wouldn't it be the perfect scenario for Luck to learn under the player he is so widely compared to? Imagine how good Luck could be if he was mentored by Peyton for a year or two. He could turn out like Aaron Rodgers, who sat under Brett Favre, but may be even better. 

This would allow the Colts to remain competitive for years to come and continue to be the powerhouse Manning has morphed them into.

Colts fans may not want to see a terrible year, which will be needed to get the first pick, but it could end up being a blessing. So, why not tank for Luck?