Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

team. 46. . . Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 27

Yes, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is back. Finally.

But after missing all of 2017 with a shoulder injury, Luck hasn’t exactly looked solid in his limited preseason action. He was awfully shaky in his exhibition stint against the Ravens. He was notably better in Week 3 of the preseason against the San Francisco 49ers, on paper, but about the only thing that truly stood out was his ability to extend plays with his legs.

Luck being under pressure that much isn’t a good endorsement for Indy’s offensive line either, especially after using their first-round 2018 draft pick on Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson.

Plus, in that game, the Colts defense allowed Niners running back Alfred Morris to run rampant to the tune of 4.9 yards per carry.

Indianapolis’ run defense is questionable at the second level. But what makes the Colts’ moderate fall in our NFL power rankings ahead of Week 1 is a worrisome secondary too. According to Pro Football Focus, this unit comes in at No. 32 heading into 2018.

All this translates into Luck having to carry this team on his shoulders once again. He’s capable of doing it. But he’ll have to perform at a top level, shaking off the rust all the while, to make it happen.