With a Monday clash against the Giants coming up, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck took a timeout for some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.

Q: I’m going to ask you to give me one trait you would take from five quarterbacks. Let’s start with Peyton Manning.

A: One trait from Peyton … all his traits (laugh)?

Q: No, you’re only allowed one.

A: OK … his preparation. Maybe it’s not a trait, but say it as such.

Q: Tom Brady.

A: His drive.

Q: Drew Brees.

A: Attitude.

Q: Aaron Rodgers.

A: His cold-bloodedness (laugh).

Q: It’s funny you say that, because 49ers coach John Harbaugh, and your former coach at Stanford, once called you an assassin. Do you agree with that?

A: (Laugh). If he said it, then sure.

Q: You don’t see yourself as an assassin?

A: I don’t know, I’m sure there’s some more context to that.

Q: OK, last guy, one trait, Andrew Luck.

A: I hate talking about myself. Let’s pass on that.

Q: Why do you hate talking about yourself?

A: I don’t know. I shouldn’t say hate talking about myself. … It seems to always be a little bit awkward.

Q: How close do you think you are to being an elite quarterback?

A: I don’t know. … To be honest, I’ve never thought about it like that. … I never enjoy people talking about who’s an elite quarterback or not. My goal is to be the best quarterback I can be for the Colts, and hope that it’s good enough.

Q: Do you plan on watching Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady on Sunday?

A: I’m sure a couple of clips of it will be on in the hotel room the night before our game. But definitely not the whole game.

Q: What are your thoughts on their rivalry over the years?

A: Obviously two great quarterbacks — maybe the best ever — going at it. They’ve certainly entertained football fans of all ages, all types in some classic, classic games, and I always think it’s a little bit odd having a quarterback rivalry. The quarterbacks aren’t truly on the field at the same time playing each other. And I think you’ll hear them say that as well. But it’s certainly been fun watching them play over the years. What great role models both of them are for any young quarterback at any level playing the position.

Q: Do you remember the first time you met Eli Manning?

A: I do. I do remember. The Manning Passing Academy, I think I was between eighth and ninth grade, and I got to shake his hand.

Q: Did he say anything to you? Did you say anything to him?

A: He was very cordial. I think my dad [Oliver] was talking to Archie, they played together. Then when I went back as a counselor in college, we had lengthier discussions, and I’ve always been incredibly impressed with Eli — quality person, the two-time Super Bowl champ, a great dude.

Q: Did Eli give you any advice?

A: Nothing too serious. I do remember him saying, “Just have fun. Enjoy it. It’s a unique opportunity to be a quarterback in the NFL, and make the most out of it.”

Q: Fourth quarter, your team is down three, two minutes to go: Why do you enjoy those situations?

A: I think there’s something about it that’s fun when those stakes are on the line. I don’t want to say there’s more pressure in those situations or not, but certainly everything seems to be heightened. It makes you perform, and step up to the plate.

Q: Is playing quarterback in the NFL a fun job?

A: (Laugh). It is a fun job at times. It’s a demanding job. I hate when people say job, though (chuckle). It’s really a kid’s game at the end of the day. Winning is fun. Winning is the most fun part of it.

Q: What is it like having the burden of carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire city and fan base?

A: (Chuckle). I don’t know if I’d go that far. I’ve never really looked at it like that. I think you get yourself in trouble if you start feeling too overwhelmed in that department. I do know it’s great to have a support from a fan base of a team. Football is such a team game, such a team aspect to it. … Good things happen, the praise is spread around, and bad things happen, usually it’s not just one person’s fault.

Q: You’re obviously a nice guy off the field, but you’re not a nice guy on the field, is that safe to say? What kind of guy are you on the field?

A: I’m not sure. … Some teammates would have better answers for you, but I like to think that I’m focused at the task at hand, and I’ll do what it takes to try and get a win.

Q: Winning a Super Bowl is everybody’s goal. How driven are you to reach that goal?

A: I know it’s a little awkward, I can’t compare it to anybody else, I don’t know. But I do know that’s what we work for every day as a team. You want to win, you want to be winners.

Q: Have you had a Super Bowl dream? Have you envisioned yourself playing in that game?

A: Never a sleeping dream per se, I’ve certainly daydreamed about it though.

Q: What do you see in that daydream?

A: A lot of confetti (chuckle).

Q: How long did it take you to get over that playoff loss to the Patriots?

A: It took a while. It certainly did. I don’t have a definitive date. … OK, put it all behind you. Those playoffs losses sting, and they linger longer. You have a whole offseason to stew on it. But certainly by the time the first game comes around, you’re totally focused on that … or just say training camp starts, you’re starting to move on.

Q: Tell me what you remember about Giants linebacker Spencer Paysinger from his days at Oregon.

A: Yeah, great player. Big, athletic, can run around the field. Quality guy. He’s a stud.

Q: Your thoughts on what Derek Jeter just accomplished with the Yankees?

A: Yeah, incredible. … It’s amazing, his longevity, he still played at an incredibly high level throughout his career. And then, what an ambassador for sports. He’s been a great athlete and I’m sure a great person.

Q: Would that appeal to you, playing in one city for one franchise for your entire career?

A: Yeah, I guess, I haven’t really thought about. … I have trouble thinking about going past this next meeting we’re about to get to (laugh) … but I’m sure it’d be fun.

Q: How do you think you would have enjoyed playing in New York?

A: I don’t even want to speculate on that.

Q: Your one regular-season game at MetLife Stadium was not a good memory, correct?

A: No, yeah, the Jets beat us pretty good [35-9, Oct. 14, 2012].

Q: Describe teammate Ahmad Bradshaw, a former Giant.

A: He’s a warrior, great locker room guy, real fun to play with.

Q: Hakeem Nicks, another former Giant.

A: Same thing. Big playmaker, great locker room guy, and a lot of fun to be around as well.

Q: Rookie receiver Donte Moncrief.

A: He’s studious. He carries himself like a vet. He’s here early, he stays late, he prepares hard. Like all rookies, you make mistakes, but he learns very quickly. Like we all do, like everybody, we all make mistakes.

Q: Why is Chuck Pagano the right coach for you to play for?

A: His personality, his relationship with the players, he’s a great football mind, but more importantly he can have a conversation with you about whatever, outside of football. He does a great job with the culture in this building.

Q: What’s so great about being Andrew Luck?

A: (Laugh) That’s a good question, I think I got great parents, great siblings. … I get to do a job that I love to do — play a kid’s game as a living. That’s fun.