There is obviously a difference of opinion between Leonard and the Colts coaching staff regarding his ability to play on passing downs. They seem to think that E.J. Speed, who is now notably faster and more athletic, is the better option.
In fairness, there are numbers that support the Colts coaching staff’s assessment, as Speed has performed admirably this season as a nickel linebacker.
Given that he isn’t permitted to play as loosely and flow to the ball as he once was in former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’s “Cover 2” scheme, it’s also reasonable to wonder if Leonard is a better fit at linebacker in the current Colts defensive scheme.
Roger Goodell and James Harrison are the ideal illustration of a toxic work environment. Employee routinely engages in unlawful hits, which constitutes a serious rule violation. Bossman establishes heavy fines as the penalty. Leaving the worker to reply with a stinging threat that he would sooner let the commissioner burn than seize the chance to sully him in an attempt to douse the flames. And that’s only one of the numerous ominous comments. Put another way, it’s a guaranteed beef recipe.
Nevertheless, Leonard continues to be valuable; on Sunday, he led the Colts in tackles with 10, including seven solo stops, during the previous weekend. Even though he hasn’t completely recovered from two back surgeries, he has displayed glimpses of his former physical self as “The Maniac.”
Just one week prior, Leonard’s head coach Shane Steichen referred to him as “the ultimate competitor.” However, Leonard would have preferred to keep discussions about playing time with the Colts coaching staff private.
That is to say, at the halfway point of the season, there is undoubtedly some growing hostility and frustration between Leonard and the Colts coaching staff—and no real resolution in sight.
Gus Bradley, the defensive coordinator, said earlier in the season that the Colts were preparing Leonard for a
