Colts’ loss to Titans further accentuates Darius Leonard’s awful start to season

The Indianapolis Colts are 0-3, but some might argue it’s really not because of the offense. Sure, maybe in Week 1, but the last couple games Carson Wentz and Co. were able to move the ball relatively well. You could even make an argument that the defense was so bad in Week 1 that it never gave the offense a chance.

Nonetheless, everyone knew the problems heading into the 2021 season with the Colts. Carson Wentz’s ability to stay healthy and bounce back from a career-worst 2020 campaign was one. The receiving corps, which lacks a true No. 1 option, was another. The pass rush was a bit suspect, but the concerns there weren’t as elevated.

Never did we think linebacker Darius Leonard would be costing this team as much as he’s had in the early going, even on a hobbled ankle. Also … if you’re that injured and are being held back from playing at a serviceable level, shouldn’t you just sit out until you’re healed?

That’s a conversation for another day, but Leonard’s struggles for the third straight week really need to be talked about — because even when he’s doing the right things, they’re turning out wrong.

Darius Leonard has been a liability for the Colts so far in 2021.

Right there, Leonard was gift-wrapped an interception when Ryan Tannehill dropped it into his chest … and then he almost gave it back because he decided to hold the ball precariously with a tackler closing in! He fumbled and luckily recovered to keep it with the Colts. What was he doing, though?

And hey, we do like turnovers, but maybe don’t try to punch the ball out every play, especially when Derrick Henry is running at you full speed? It makes you look incredibly foolish. Maybe just go in for the tackle and use your strength in that manner to try and jar it loose.

And finally, we have apparent missed assignments. We’re not entirely sure this one was Leonard’s fault, but if we are to use Bobby Okereke’s body language as any indication, it seems like the Colts’ captain was indeed the culprit of this blown coverage.

On third and goal from the 10, the Titans scored a touchdown to extend their lead 22-13 on this simple pass to a running back in the flat. One of the linebackers clearly messed up because they were covering the same player to allow this TD to happen.

Even if that wasn’t Leonard’s fault, he’s the captain and should be screaming out assignments like a lunatic on a play like this where the Colts have a chance to keep it within distance at 17-13 with almost a full quarter to go. And at the very least, he should’ve been chewing out Okereke (if it were his fault) after the play. Also, six total tackles on the day when the Titans held the ball for 34 minutes isn’t enough.

Just about everything here was unacceptable, and it needs to stop now. The Colts are 0-3 and can’t afford another loss for quite a while if they want to keep their season afloat. The Dolphins and Jacoby Brissett are up next. You really cannot screw that one up.

Colts’ injury nightmare continues with Quenton Nelson being carted to locker room

The Indianapolis Colts may have to play the remainder of the game against the Tennessee Titans without Quenton Nelson. Not good.