Why Andrew Luck needs Peyton Manning if Drafted by Colts

If there's anything we have learned this season in the NFL is that one man can make a team. Peyton Manning the unquestioned franchise that is the Indianapolis Colts has missed the whole season and the Colts have done squat this year. It's quite sad too when you think about it. So basically guaranteed to be the team with the number one pick this upcoming draft the Colts should not only draft Andrew Luck but keep him as an understudy to Peyton Manning. If there's one thing I've seen as it relates to rookie QB's the past couple of years is that learning from a veteran is a lot more valuable than being thrown into the fray. Alex Smith comes to mind, Sam Bradford has had a tough 2nd year, Matt Ryan wasn't always Matty Ice, and even though Cam Newton has been impressive he's still throwing INTs at a high rate. Here's the thing if any example should be looked at as a success story its Aaron Rodgers. He sat behind Brett Favre for years learning what to do and what not to do. What amazing thing has he done he's having quite possibly the greatest year in NFL history as it relates to the QB position. Why does that matter? Here's why Favre was an old school gunslinger and that has gotten him the INT record which no one really wants, what Peyton Manning is, he's the essential field general. Not only is he, in my opinion, the greatest quarterback of our generation, but he's also the model quarterback to follow for years to come. Andrew Luck could pick the brain of the best quarterback while he's still around and take the time to learn the quarterback position properly form the best in the game today. It paid off great for Rodgers who has a Super Bowl under his belt already. Consider this Big Ben struggled the hard way, Mark Sanchez is still struggling, Joe Flacco is struggling this year, Blaine Gabbert is struggling. All QBs thrown to the fire to start their respective careers, granted Ben has won championships but that was largely due to the Steelers D not Ben. The Colts would be setting themselves up for failure to trade away Manning for Luck or vice versa. Manning should retire a Colt for all he's done for that team and organization and for a future franchise quarterback to learn from a sure fire Hall of Famer would be great in solidifying that team for even more years to come. As long as somewhere down the road that defense undergoes an overhaul. The future for Indy starts with Luck and for the future to succeed he should learn from the Present.