Colts rookie QB Luck an X-factor for Bears

The expectation that the Bears can take advantage of Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Andrew

is tempered by the fear that Luck might take advantage of them.

Luck, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, will make his NFL debut against the Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field. Of the 11 quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall in the last 15 years, only the Texans’

won his first NFL start. The Texans beat the Dallas Cowboys 19-10 in the 2002 season opener. The Cowboys finished 5-11.

Luck is on a team that finished 2-14 last season and is facing a Bears team that’s better than the 2002 Cowboys. But he also is considered by some as the best quarterback prospect since Pey

in 1998. So despite his inexperience, Luck still is an X-factor. Last year, the Carolina Panthers’ Cam Newton was 24-for37 for 422 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a 110.4 passer rating in a 34-29 loss to the Bears in his fourth NFL game.

‘‘It doesn’t matter to me,’’ linebacker Lance Briggs said when asked if he looks forward to facing rookie quarterbacks. ‘‘It’s really more about what we do. He’s a good quarterback. He’s smart. He’s prepared. You know all the rookie quarterbacks can come in and play.

‘‘But do I think they are Tom Brady or Peyton Manning? No. They have to learn like everybody else. Guys like Cam Newton, they’ve come out and put out some special numbers, but most quarterbacks are a dime a dozen, as far as I’m concerned. There’s an elite group, and then there’s guys that are either learning and trying to get better or are just a dime a dozen.’’

Adam Podlesh

would punt for Podlesh.