With the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Andrew Luck…

Let the over-analyzing, criticism, skepticism, and stat scrutiny begin.

Look, we all know Luck has big shoes to fill.   Peyton Manning is a future Hall of Famer and considered by many to be among the top-five quarterbacks in NFL history. 

However, it’s beyond unfair to compare Luck’s first year in Indianapolis with Peyton in his prime, or with the numbers Peyton puts up this season with the Broncos.

Luck will lose that battle every time. 

If you’re going to play the comparison game, it would make more sense to compare Luck’s rookie numbers to Peyton’s rookie numbers:

3,739 passing yards.

26 touchdowns.

28 interceptions.

3 wins.

Solid numbers…but a far smaller shadow cast over Luck than if we were to post Peyton’s finer seasons.

In all honesty though, the comparison games makes little sense…especially when ...

We've heard the experts all season...."Kentucky's team is so strong, not even CALIPARI can mess it up this time."

While it may be taken as a jab at Calipari's coaching acumen...it also paints a clear picture as to the type of talent Calipari has compiled this season.  Anthony Davis will be the top overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, in five-short months Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has supplanted North Carolina's Harrison Barnes as the premier perimeter prospect, and Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, and Darius Miller will soon find NBA homes as well.  I haven't even mentioned local product Marquis Teague who has made huge strides as the season has progressed as well.

Louisville fans will believe that the rivalry and bad blood will elevate the play of the Cardinals but at the end of the day, talent will win out.  The Cardinals are a hell of a story and are led by a hell ...

As difficult as it was to see Peyton Manning and the Colts go their separate ways, it had to happen.  The Colts are in complete "rebuild mode" and Manning is in the hunt for another championship ring.  The only thing more difficult than 'competing' for titles with a depleted roster is 'rebuilding' a depleted roster while competing for titles.  It'd take 2-to-3 years to get the Colts back to a championship level and Manning simply doesn't have time to waste.

With at least three neck procedures in a 19-month time span and a 36th birthday coming (this weekend)...Manning had to join a team that gives him the best chance at another championship.  Despite enticing offers elsewhere (Who wouldn't want Shoney's pancakes for life - had he chose to play in Tennessee???)...Manning decided to go to Denver.

Look, I get it...the AFC West is a weak division, plus it's an opportunity ...