George Bremer: Colts Notebook: Linebacker rotation remains hot topic

Nov. 9—INDIANAPOLIS — Sunday was filled with contradictions for Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

For the first time this season, he led the team with 10 tackles as Indianapolis snapped a three-game losing streak with a 27-13 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

But that production came on just 39 snaps, the second-lowest total of the season for the three-time first-team All-Pro.

With middle linebacker Zaire Franklin on the sideline because of a knee injury, Leonard did not move over from the weak side. Instead, Segun Olubi took all 71 defensive snaps and recorded five tackles along with his first career interception.

"I'm a competitor," Leonard said Thursday at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. "I want to play. I want to go out there. I want to compete. I put my body through so much, worked extremely hard to get to this point and it's frustrating when you're standing on the sideline, knowing that you're capable of going out there and competing at a high level.

"... It sucks, but my feeling doesn't win football games. So it is what it is. Their decision — it is what it is."

Leonard said there was been open conversation between himself and the coaching staff dating back to his return to practice when training camp opened in late July.

The original plan was to be cautious and re-assess the situation come Novemeber. But little has changed this month.

In fact, Sunday was a step backward for the 28-year-old.

Leonard has been told he needs to be stronger in pass coverage to work back into the mix on third down.

His coverage stats are some of the best of his career. On just 20 targets, Leonard is surrendering career lows in completion percentage (60%) and yards per target (5.2). His 8.6 yards per completion allowed is the second-lowest total of his career, and quarterbacks have a 90.2 rating when targeting him — the third-best number he's posted as a pro.

But E.J. Speed — who has been splitting time with Leonard — has been even better. Quarterbacks have completed just 52% of 25 targets against Speed and are averaging 4.6 yards per target for a 64.4 rating.

"As far as the play time ... I think it's still this part where we're looking at (Leonard) and saying, 'How many plays in a row can he go? When is he most effective?' And it's a process," defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said. "On the other hand, E.J. is playing very well for us, and we thought the reps would play accordingly if there was enough base (formation) to play in the game, but it's not working that way. Last week (against the New Orleans Saints), it was an all-nickel (formation) game. In order to get E.J. on the field, something has got to give a little bit.

"So we went back to two series for Shaq, one series for E.J. 'E.J., you get some third-down reps.' This will come out to maybe where it's 40 (snaps for Leonard) and 25 (for Speed) or something like that, and we utilize them both. E.J. is the same way, now. E.J. might not be as vocal, but E.J. wants to be on the field, too. They're great friends and great competitive friends, but they're both battling for playing time. In a way, it's a competitiveness that's elevated both their games."

It's a tight-rope the Colts are likely to walk as long as both linebackers remain healthy.

Leonard understands the complexity of the situation even as he continues to push for more snaps.

Successful games like Sunday's win at Carolina also help to numb the pain.

"It's always good when you have two Pick-6s," Leonard said, referencing cornerback Kenny Moore II's pair of interception returns. "E.J. had a forced fumble, and then Segun had a game-sealing interception. So, like I always say, if you win the turnover battle, you win the football game. I think we're 4-0 whenever we win the turnover battle.

"So we've gotta make sure we constantly just think about that, have it on our mind and find a way to get the ball."

INJURY REPORT

Cornerback JuJu Brents (quad) and tight end Drew Ogletree (foot) did not practice Thursday and were not expected to travel with the team to Germany for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Both players have been ruled out.

Wide receiver Josh Downs (knee) also did not practice Thursday.

Franklin (knee) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) were limited. It's an upgrade for Franklin, who did not participate in Wednesday's walk-through, and Pierce is a new addition to the report.

Cornerback Tony Brown (concussion) and right tackle Braden Smith (hip/wrist) were full participants.

Cornerback J.C. Jackson (personal matter), offensive tackle Trent Brown (personal matter/ankle) and wide receiver Devante Parker (concussion) were ruled out for New England.

Defensive lineman Christian Barmore (knee), linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (hamstring), cornerback Myles Bryant (chest), wide receiver Demario Douglas (ankle), cornerback Jonathan Jones (knee), offensive lineman Vederian Lowe (ankle) and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) were limited for the Patriots.