Well, the wait is finally over. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck did not disappoint.
He had a lot to live up to: In Peyton Manning's first preseason game, he opened with a 48-yard TD pass to Marvin Harrison.
Luck, did him one better.
His first pass, which traveled maybe four yards in the air, went for a 63-yard score to running back Donald Brown. Luck played nearly the entire first half, throwing for 188 yards and two scores on 10-of-16 passing to lead Indianapolis to a 21-3 halftime lead over the Rams. His numbers would have been better if not for three drops. Overall, the Colts offense looked fairly sharp -- there were a few breakdowns in blocking assignments -- but certainly an improvement from a season ago.
Here are some additional notes from Indy's 38-3 win over the Rams:
- Two linebackers left the game with injuries, though the severity of each won't be immediately known. Scott Lutrus left with a knee sprain and Pat Angerer had what was referred to as a "foot issue". Neither, at this time, seem particularly concerning.
- Both Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were solid in their debut playing at the outside linebacker spot. Generally, Freeney rushed off the edge with his hand on the ground -- a customary position for him. Both players saw very limited action, so it was difficult to glean anything significant.
- There was one problem: drops. Tight end Coby Fleener and WRs LaVon Brazill and Austin Collie each dropped a pass from Luck. Not only did Luck's stats suffer, but they were all catchable balls. Not a major concern, unless the trend continues.
- Tight end Dominique Jones may have found a new position at fullback. With Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener ahead of him on the depth chart, Jones was impressive in the backfield in short yardage situations.
- Aside from the early score, Brown had a relatively pedestrian outing. Rookie Vick Ballard, however, looked solid running the ball. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has said he wants a team that can pound the ball on the ground. Ballard, it appears, may have a chance to crack the starting lineup. He's big and fast, he can catch the ball, and he always seems to fall forward.
- The defense nearly pitched a shutout. Sure it was preseason. Still, what a major step from last season.
- Though it will likely end up a moot point, but backup QBs were solid. Drew Stanton was 8-of-11 for 83 yards while rookie Chandler Harnish -- a local product -- was a perfect 3-of-3 for 52 yards and a score. Harnish, especially, had impressive arm strength.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSSportsNFLIND