INDIANAPOLIS -- Andrew Luck got his first taste of the New England Patriots last week.
There were good moments and not-so-good moments. Three interceptions and a fumble lost were ugly. Fourteen points on a pair of 80-plus-yard drives on the first two possessions were as much as anyone could ask for. Luck finished with 334 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Indianapolis Colts interim coach Bruce Arians explained what he wanted the rookie quarterback to take from the 59-24 loss.
"The learning process," Arians said. "How well he played early and how poorly he played in the middle. Just a growing process. Don't ever forget what was going on, because you might play them again real soon. Don't add up the numbers 'till the end of the season. Just play each week.
"He was playing outstanding in that game. To take two 80-yard drives, right off the bat, down on the Patriots is really good football. One or two throws, they're easy to correct."
Notice how Arians slipped in talk of a second game against the Pats? That's playoff talk in Indy, just one season after the Colts went 2-14.
Luck didn't hesitate when asked what stood out the most to him.
"Turnovers," Luck said. "Turnovers kill you in this league, especially against good teams.
"You can't give them gifts. They'll embarrass you if you do."
Interceptions, really, have been the lone recurring issue for Luck. He's made mistakes, but has adapted quickly and hasn't repeated them. Interceptions will come as Luck sees different looks against different teams for the first time, including the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
That's part of the process.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
