Freeman appreciates being on same side as quarterback Luck
REGINA — Jerrell Freeman has one of the best views when it comes to watching rookie quarterback Andrew Luck operate.
As a rookie starting linebacker with the Indianapolis Colts, Freeman has seen Luck lead his NFL team to an 8-4 record. Freeman, who spent three seasons with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders before signing with the Colts on Jan. 16, celebrated Sunday as Luck guided the Colts to a 35-33 victory over the host Detroit Lions.
Luck hit receiver Donnie Avery with a 14-yard pass as time expired for the gamewinning touchdown. The Colts trailed by 12 points midway through the fourth quarter, but rallied for the win.
“There isn’t anything (Luck) does that surprises me,’’ Freeman said Thursday from Indianapolis, where the Colts host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. “As a defence, it doesn’t matter what situation we’re in at the end of the game — we want to get (Luck) the ball and let him ride with it. He’s mature beyond his age and he has been able to perform at a high level in those situations. He’s not your normal rookie.’’
The Colts selected Luck with the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft after posting a league-worst 2-14 record in 2011. Even with Luck at quarterback, expectations were low in Indianapolis heading into the 2012 season. After starting the 2012 season with a 1-2 record, the Colts have won seven of their last nine games and are in the hunt for a wild-card playoff berth.
“Not many people gave us a chance at the beginning of the season,’’ Freeman said. “It definitely feels good to be in the playoff hunt.’’