The Indianapolis Colts are getting ready to face their Week 9 opponent, the Carolina Panthers. However, this season has seen its fair share of internal trouble amongst some of the Colts’ star players and now there is more controversy. Coming into the season, there were major questions about linebacker Shaquille Leonard.
All of the questions about Leonard were related to his health after he had two back surgeries last year. He’s started the season slowly and that was by the Colts’ design, as they didn’t want him to overdo it and get hurt again. Over the last few weeks, the “training wheels” have been removed, and he’s been able to play more freely. Unfortunately, his traditional level of play also hasn’t returned.
- Shaquille Leonard’s stats: 46 tackles, 25 solo, 2 TFL
That is a far cry from the average stats he put up over the first four years of his career when he was a three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. He is ranked fourth in both tackles and solo tackles on the Colts this season. The only players ahead of him are fellow linebacker Zaire Franklin, cornerback Kenny Moore, and safety Julian Blackmon.
- Shaquille Leonard’s avg. stats in a season: 85.8 tackles, 48.8 solo, 4.3 FF, 1.8 FR, 2.8 INT, 3.8 SCK, 7.5 PD, 7.5 TFL
And now he is voicing his frustration to the media. Thursday, he told David Griffiths of CBS 4 Indy that he feels that his level of play is getting better and better. But the coaches are telling him he’s not making enough splash plays. It’s those splash plays that put him on a Hall-of-Fame career trajectory and brought him a lot of notoriety within the league.
It’s also something that this Colts defense could use some more of, as it ranks 30th overall and 15th in turnovers. But for now, Leonard is splitting reps with E.J. Speed. Speed is right behind Leonard on the team in tackles and solo tackles. However, Speed is second on the team in tackles for loss.
While tackles for loss may not be considered a splash play, they are an impact play. And Leonard is not even making impact plays like he used to. Now, for some good news, this Colts coaching staff is communicating with him.
“I kind of know a little bit. They’ll tell me if I’m going to split reps with E.J. on first and second [down]. I know I’m not in on third down. Kind of know exactly what it is. Like it or not, it is what it is.”
– Shaquille Leonard
This communication from Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley might be something new or learned from the contract dispute with Jonathan Taylor. But that is just a guess and not factual. Regardless, it is a good thing that this coaching staff is providing clear communication with their players, even if the players aren’t exactly happy with their role on the team.
Two other factors could be in play here with the decline from Leonard and that is the change in defensive scheme philosophies and health. During his first four years, he missed only seven games. Over his last two seasons, he’s missed 15 games, allowing former Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke to step up and shine.
One of the biggest mantras in the NFL is “next man up.” Both Okereke and Franklin have taken their opportunity to shine. This has come at the expense of Leonard. The other factor is that while under Matt Eberflus, Leonard was the main linebacker. He was the guy who played all three downs and was put in a position to generate turnovers. Because of his lack of availability, Bradley has had to play other players and those players have yet to lose their snaps.
Unfortunately, Leonard may have lost some of his playing time. However, it’s been communicated to him exactly what he needs to do to earn more snaps. He needs to get back to making splash plays.
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