Leonard seems displeased with his role

[Hawkeyecolt]

38 minutes ago, Dark Superman said:

He looks show and a shell of the former player he once was and is currently the highest-paid player at his position and the worst starting LB on the Colts. I love 53 but he's clearly not anywhere near the player he was a few years ago and with the amount of money he's currently making, I would be more than okay trading him if there's a team willing to fork over solid draft capital.

Everything you said is true which is why no one would trade for him. 

[Scott Pennock]

Displeased with his role? We are displeased with his LACK of playmaking ability! Speed and Franklin are outperforming him as he avoids contact, runs around blockers or makes tackles 12 yards downfield..........no forced fumbles, no interceptions, no sacks, and I don't even think he has a pass breakup either!??!

 

He is a shell of his former self and I pray that they cut him at the end of the year and use that money for a more productive player!

[Zoltan]

17 hours ago, husker61 said:

Too many people here are using pff grades too much. I don’t think Leonard has made an impact play all year. Most starting lb’s have made a couple this year. Making a lot more of them than the average lb is what made him the player he was, he just isn’t that player now.

 

I will say "Impact play" seems to be more of an opinion when it comes to us fans. I would say Franklin has made a lot less impact plays than what it looks like, I feel he is overrated as a LB because he makes big hits in the run game but he's a liability in pass coverage. That was one of the things that made Leonard great was that he was a decent coverage back as well as how he played the run, will he get back to form idk, it's his first season in Bradley's system which seems hard to adjust to because looking at last year Kenny Moore had a lot of frustration and looked bad in this system, now this year he looks like his old self. Although he met with Bradley during the offseason to vent his frustrations about not being used/not letting him do what he does best. Which kind of has become a trend in the two years of Bradley as DC is players being frustrated with the system and not being allowed to do the things that they are good at, it seems to be a system that is very restricting.

[Zoltan]

I wanted to add I just don't think you can cut him this offseason, work out a restructure for sure but this is his first season back after being injured for 2 years you got to let him get back in the game and shake the rust off and have a full offseason of getting stronger (not doing rehab). Then next year be the deciding year

 

[Moosejawcolt]

On 11/2/2023 at 6:14 PM, 1959Colts said:

Maybe if Leonard was making more of an impact, when he is in the game, then the coach would start playing him more frequently?

I honestly think, theoretically, if EJ Speed was given all of Shaq's reps, we would not see much of a drop-off, and perhaps even a slight improvement

U know what is funny? A couple of years ago I said Speed would replace Leonard. I was a couple years to early lol.

[indyagent17]

I for one am tired of millionaire athletes whining at this or that. Look In the mirror and see where the real problem is 

[Indyfan4life]

I hope he wakes up and it just clicks with him. I really do. If not, yeah, it’ll be a tough but necessary decision on what to do with him. 

[coltsfeva]

  Even though I appreciated the game-changing plays, I never liked the “victim mentality” he exhibited. He was always talking about how he was underrated. 
  That being said, I hope he either has a turn around or they get something for him.

[colts89]

1 hour ago, coltsfeva said:

  Even though I appreciated the game-changing plays, I never liked the “victim mentality” he exhibited. He was always talking about how he was underrated. 
  That being said, I hope he either has a turn around or they get something for him.

There were tons of pundits/articles him the worst pick in the draft. I'd be * about that too tbh. Him being * about that did us a lot of good.

[AKB]

hes visibly slower

 

how to fix?

[Thunderbolt]

Just not his old self, it's a business time to move on.

[1959Colts]

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2023/11/04/colts-vs-panthers-23-things-to-watch/71375954007/?utm_source=indystar-dailybriefing-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailybriefing-headline-stack&utm_term=Content List - Stacking - optimized&utm_content=pind-indianapolis-nletter65

 

Insider: 23 things to watch in Colts vs. Panthers game

Joel A. Erickson

Indianapolis Star

 

Why Shaquille Leonard might get more snaps vs. Panthers

21. Veteran linebacker Shaquille Leonard is playing 73% of the snaps, and he said this week that he’d like to play more, particularly on third down. Veteran middle linebacker Zaire Franklin, the NFL’s leading tackler with 102 stops this season, will be a game-time decision after suffering a knee injury last week, and if Franklin either can’t play or remains limited, it could open more plays for Leonard, although Indianapolis has replaced Franklin with Segun Olubi in its three-linebacker look when Franklin’s been hurt at other times this season.

[JediXMan]

Well here’s his chance the timing of this is interesting.

[1959Colts]

 

[chrisfarley]

8 hours ago, 1959Colts said:

 

[ShuteAt168]

I’ve noticed Shaq getting caught up in the wash at the line of scrimmage and then he’s not fast to recover. I don’t know how much slower he is but I do know he used to be more decisive and quicker to the ball rather than getting jumbled up at the line. And as others have said, his value was forcing turnovers and he doesn’t do that anymore. No one would call him “Maniac” based on how he’s currently playing, that’s for sure. 

[Matabix]

When Gus took over he was making Shaq MLB. Than the injuries happened. Okereke WLB, and Franklin Sam. What got me scratching my head is earlier this year is when Franklin went out and Olubi came in. 

Tony Brown who practices as Moore's back up comes in and starts outside instead of inside where he's been practicing. I mean Moore plays outside on most 1st downs anyways. 

My mind is shifting more towards questioning Gus than Shaq. I wanted Gus back this year. Now I'm not sure. Ballard already said he'll only higher a 4-3 scheme guy and not 3-4. 

Who is better? Shaq's 1st 3 years or Franklin's last 2?

[Solid84]

6 hours ago, ShuteAt168 said:

I’ve noticed Shaq getting caught up in the wash at the line of scrimmage and then he’s not fast to recover. I don’t know how much slower he is but I do know he used to be more decisive and quicker to the ball rather than getting jumbled up at the line. And as others have said, his value was forcing turnovers and he doesn’t do that anymore. No one would call him “Maniac” based on how he’s currently playing, that’s for sure. 

As soon as a blocker is on him he's out of the play. But, that's always been the case. The way he played in Flus' scheme he wasn't the target of blocks and thus had more freedom to make plays. Bradley needs to give him that freedom if he wants to get Leonard's full potential. Not saying he's ever going to be physically the same, but if he needs a certain role to be effective, then give him that role again maybe?..

[Boondoggle]

Colts need to get a DC in here who will put his foot in Shaq's posterior and get him to produce.  Making excuses for him is not going to get it done.  He'll just coast along until he feels like he needs to prove himself for the next payday and we'll see a brief resurgence, probably when he has to prove himself with another roster.

[NewColtsFan]

40 minutes ago, Boondoggle said:

Colts need to get a DC in here who will put his foot in Shaq's posterior and get him to produce.  Making excuses for him is not going to get it done.  He'll just coast along until he feels like he needs to prove himself for the next payday and we'll see a brief resurgence, probably when he has to prove himself with another roster.

Are you out of your mind?!?

 

You think Shaq’s issue is that he needs a DC to put his foot up his rear?   Dear God, that’s an embarrassing take.    

[2006Coltsbestever]

2 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

Are you out of your mind?!?

 

You think Shaq’s issue is that he needs a DC to out his foot up his rear?   Dear God, that’s an embarrassing take.    

[Boondoggle]

5 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

Are you out of your mind?!?

 

You think Shaq’s issue is that he needs a DC to put his foot up his rear?   Dear God, that’s an embarrassing take.    

I've done things that are embarrassing.  Like getting too drunk at my sister's wedding and dirty dancing with her new husband's mother.  But that post was not one of them.

[NewColtsFan]

14 minutes ago, Boondoggle said:

I've done things that are embarrassing.  Like getting too drunk at my sister's wedding and dirty dancing with her new husband's mother.  But that post was not one of them.

Let me give you a compliment….

 

If someone had told me about that post, without telling me who wrote it, it never would have occurred to me that you wrote it.   You’re a smart guy and a good poster, but everyone makes a bad post, everyone.   It’s the nature of internet message boards, it comes with the territory.  And I’ve made some REALLY bad ones.   What?  Was?   I?  Thinking?     We all make bad posts, and you just did.  
 

I can think of 100 other posters who I would not be surprised if they wrote it.  Honestly, it’s beneath you.   It’s the viewpoint of a frustrated fan — nothing more.   Hold yourself to a higher standard.  

 

All my comments should be viewed as compliments to you.    Honestly. 

[jvan1973]

5 hours ago, Boondoggle said:

Colts need to get a DC in here who will put his foot in Shaq's posterior and get him to produce.  Making excuses for him is not going to get it done.  He'll just coast along until he feels like he needs to prove himself for the next payday and we'll see a brief resurgence, probably when he has to prove himself with another roster.

How do you know how the coaches coach on practice?  Your take is in your mind.   He was benched a couple weeks ago.   That's as much as a pro can get a boot in the rear.  Some of the takes here are hilarious 

[Solid84]

Leonard led the team with 10 (7-3) combined tackles today. 

[Zoltan]

11 minutes ago, Solid84 said:

Leonard let the team with 10 (7-3) combined tackles today. 

I was gonna say after this game, how many missed tackles from the guy that replaces Leonard. I get his frustration with not being on the field. He may not be perfect but I think he would be better than who they replace him with.

[Solid84]

4 minutes ago, Zoltan said:

I was gonna say after this game, how many missed tackles from the guy that replaces Leonard. I get his frustration with not being on the field. He may not be perfect but I think he would be better than who they replace him with.

I think Leonard played Mike for Franklin today?

 

The thing is, prior to this game Leonard had 3 missed tackles for the season. Franklin had 13.
I know some people love Franklin, but he misses A LOT and a good part of his tackles are down field, chasing down players he missed. 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

George Bremer just said Brent’s Is close. He doesn’t think he will be back next week but after the bye week. 

[w87r]

30 minutes ago, Zoltan said:

I was gonna say after this game, how many missed tackles from the guy that replaces Leonard. I get his frustration with not being on the field. He may not be perfect but I think he would be better than who they replace him with.

We know how stubborn Gus can be.

 

Remember how long it took him to put in Rodgers over Facyson?

 

 

I think Shaq did draw attention to it,  people have been asking where he has gone.

 

Seems to be on the sidelines on most important downs, which we continue to get abused on.

[Dobbinblitz]

I know his stats are trending up - but what  is weird right now,  is he is playing the position more like a box safety, and cleaning up a lot of tackles downfield. He is not having a great deal of impact at or near the line of scrimmage - or in the backfield.- at this point. hopefully he regains his old form.

[richard pallo]

4 minutes ago, Dobbinblitz said:

I know his stats are trending up - but what  is weird right now,  is he is playing the position more like a box safety, and cleaning up a lot of tackles downfield. He is not having a great deal of impact at or near the line of scrimmage - or in the backfield.- at this point. hopefully he regains his old form.

He is playing the role Gus is asking him to play.  Eberflus used him differently.  That’s all there is to it.  Okeroke is gone too.  The lineup changed.

[w87r]

 

 

[w87r]

 

 

[Dobbinblitz]

8 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

He is playing the role Gus is asking him to play.  Eberflus used him differently.  That’s all there is to it.  Okeroke is gone too.  The lineup changed.

I understand the scheme/assignment change, but do you think he is close to player he was before injury?

[richard pallo]

3 minutes ago, Dobbinblitz said:

I understand the scheme/assignment change, but do think he is close to player he was before injury?

I really don’t know but I’m going to be more patient than most here.  It’s only been nine games and the expectations for him are off the charts.  Makes no sense to me.

[colts89]

He played decently this week and lead the team in tackles despite not playing in all the snaps.

[Solid84]

12 minutes ago, w87r said:

 

 

So on 39 snaps he had 10 tackles? How is that not impressive?

[Dobbinblitz]

11 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

I really don’t know but I’m going to be more patient than most here.  It’s only been nine games and the expectations for him are off the charts.  Makes no sense to me.

Fair enough.  However, an half season+is not a small sample size. . He is 28  multiple All Pro selection, in the middle of 98.5 mil contract. We can only hope the patience pays off and he plays to his previous level. On the plus side he has stayed healthy.  Not sure  about off the charts - but there is an expectation that he is a main catalyst for the Colts defense. 

[chad72]

If he’s getting in passing lanes in December and creating fumbles, all will be forgotten. Otherwise it’s only valid to question ROI. 

[Zoltan]

1 hour ago, w87r said:

 

 

The funny thing is I was watching and kept on seeing number 50 diving and missing at peoples feet near the line of scrimmage and I was thinking “who is this guy?” So I had to look him up, aside from his interception I thought he had a really bad game. It amazes me he had the most snaps. 
 

I think you are right that this may be a Facyson/Rodgers situation. Bradley seems to like certain players even if they don’t play as well as another.