INDIANAPOLIS -- Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy watched quarterback Aaron Rodgers develop from a high-ceiling, first-round draft pick into a Super Bowl and regular-season MVP. This week, he prepares for a highly touted No. 1 overall pick in Indianapolis Colts rookie signal-caller Andrew Luck.
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McCarthy compared the two during a Wednesday conference call.
"Both guys were born to play the positon," McCarthy said. "If you watched Andrew Luck go through college, there's no surprise where he was drafted and that he started from the first day. Aaron's path was a little different -- he had a chance to sit and learn.
"But you're talking about two very talented individiuals."
Rodgers sat behind Brett Favre for three years before being asked to replace the future Hall of Famer. He immediately began to throw for 4,000 yards.
Luck replaced future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning on Day 1. The Colts, obviously, would love for him to have Rodgers-like success.
"Very similar," said Bruce Arians, the Colts' offensvie coordinator and interim coach. "Aaron's very mobile. Very accurate. Has got good velocity. Obviously can handle a fast-paced game or a slow-paced game.
"I think they're very similar in a lot ways; their size, athleticism. So, it's a good comparison."
Luck, humbly, wanted to temper those comparison.
"I think I've got a long way to go to be compared to Aaron Rodgers," Luck said. "He's definitely someone I enjoy watching. His command over the offense -- a guy looks covered, Aaron's done a great job with back-shoulder throws or a tight end running with a linebacker down the middle; putting it in the right spot, the only spot where it can be caught.
"It's a lot of fun to watch him play and make plays with his feet as well. He's a great quarterback."
Luck is right in the fact that he has a long way to go. The foundation is there -- dedication to the game, underrated athelticism, good footwork, accuracy. There was a time when Rodgers' arm strength was questioned. Luck is there now.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
