Indianapolis Colts defender Darius Leonard made a season-saving declaration on Sunday, but it means nothing if his teammates can’t stop the run. Coming off of back to back losses where they gave up 189 yards rushing per game, Indianapolis must find a way to be more disciplined in stopping the run.
Darius Leonard is a young linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. He is in his third year in the NFL and has been playing at a high level ever since he was drafted by the Colts. This season, he had an outstanding performance with 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
The Indianapolis Colts had a difficult start to the 2021 NFL season, but they seem to be finding their stride now. Despite the fact that the season is still young, one of the team’s captains recognizes the significance of their Week 8 battle against the Tennessee Titans. Derrick Henry will try to sabotage the Colts’ preparations, as Darius Leonard had harsh words for his teammates.
For the Colts, this is a “must-win” game, according to Darius Leonard.
This season, Darius Leonard has been personally involved in 8 turnovers.
3 FFs 3 FRs 2 INTs 2 INTs 2 INTs 2 INTs 2 INTs 2 INT
25 October 2021 — Josh Norris (@JoshNorris)
The Colts are now 3-4, but their performance is likely better than their record shows. They began the 2021 season with three straight defeats, but they have won two straight heading into their showdown with the Titans.
Darius Leonard, a linebacker, has been on fire this season. In a recent news conference, he issued a challenge to his colleagues as one of the team leaders, according to The Athletic.
“Normally, I don’t call any game a must-win. “However, this is a game that must be won,” Leonard remarked. Indianapolis has only played seven games out of a total of seventeen. Despite the team’s current losing record, the All-Pro linebacker recognizes the importance of a division clash.
It’s impossible to tell how good the Colts are right now, given their early troubles. Their biggest win came in a sloppy Sunday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. The Indianapolis Colts forced the Baltimore Ravens into overtime as well. The Colts would have won if it hadn’t been for Lamar Jackson.
The Titans will put Frank Reich’s team to the test once more.
Indianapolis faces a tough test from Derrick Henry.
Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a great play | Rob Carr/Getty Images The Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry in action against the Kansas City Chiefs | Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The Indianapolis Colts have a defense that is in the middle of the pack. The defense, led by defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, has had its ups and downs.
The Indianapolis Colts’ defense has given up 354.1 yards and 21.2 points per game this season. Indianapolis has struggled with injuries on defense, but they’re finally getting healthy at the right moment. Rock Ya-Sin, a cornerback, and Kemoko Turay, a defensive end, are back in play this week.
With Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, the Colts will have their hands full. The 27-year-old bruising rusher leads the NFL in rushing by a wide margin heading into the Week 8 clash.
In seven games, Henry has run for a total of 869 yards. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (539), who will be on the other sideline, is the next closest player.
In order to overcome the Titans, Indianapolis will have to focus on King Henry. Tennessee’s offense is led by Henry. The pass is made possible by the run. The Arizona Cardinals limited Alabama’s running back to 58 yards. Henry thrashed the New York Jets in the Titans’ previous setback, but New York pulled off a freak win.
Henry’s pounding rushing style wears out opposition defenses, particularly late in games when defenders are exhausted.
Darius Leonard and the Indianapolis Colts will try to keep him out of the end zone in 2021, as he has 10 touchdowns. Indianapolis has allowed just two rushing touchdowns this season, the fewest in the NFL. In Week 3, Henry rushed for 113 yards against this defense, but the Colts stopped him from scoring.
The Colts have a bend-but-don’t-break defense that they’ll have to use against Derrick Henry.
Down the stretch, the Colts have a winnable schedule.
Darius Leonard is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the Colts’ hardest players. “Maniac” is also his nickname. They had better win this game if he claims it’s a must-win.
The Tennessee Titans are coming in hot this week after crushing the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in consecutive weeks. If Indianapolis can defeat them, it will give the squad a huge boost in confidence going ahead.
With a victory, the Colts improve to 4-4 as they enter a highly winnable schedule for the remainder of the 2021 season. Before their bye week in Week 14, they face a pair of challenging tests against the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Otherwise, they have three games against the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans that they should comfortably win.
Following the bye, the Colts face the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders in a three-game period. The club will be in a great position to clinch in Week 17 against the Jaguars if they can manage their schedule and put themselves in postseason contention.
However, Indianapolis must concentrate on the issue at hand, which is the Titans.
The greatest danger to Darius Leonard’s declaration is Derrick Henry, so the Colts must make sure he doesn’t get away.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
RELATED: Titans’ Dan Orlovsky Has a Terrifying Message for Ascending Colts RB ‘I Think He’s Becoming One of the Best Backs in Football,’ says Jonathan Taylor.
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