During Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Indianapolis Colts were without starting linebacker EJ Speed. With Shaquille Leonard now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, there was a question about who would step up for Indy at linebacker alongside Zaire Franklin. It didn’t take long for Indianapolis to answer the question.
In the second quarter of the game, Ronnie Harrison Jr. made the biggest play of the first half when he snatched the ball off the hands of a Bengals receiver and returned it for a touchdown. The pick six dramatically shifted the momentum into Indy’s favor. A successful two-point conversion later, the score of the game was tied 14-14. A significant shift as the Colts were down 14-0.
Nabbed six right out of their hands.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 10, 2023
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/U38YZzmCY5
Ronnie Harrison Jr. making big plays for Colts
This is Harrison’s second interception on the season, and both were possible because of perseverance and willingness to adjust. Harrison started the season on Indy’s practice squad and was signed to the active roster after Leonard was released. However, after playing safety his first five years in the league, Harrison returned to the active roster as a linebacker.
This allowed him to get on the field and contribute, but it’s also significantly helping the Colts. Not only does Harrison provide depth, but his experience in the secondary makes him Indy’s best coverage linebacker. He showcased that by recording an interception in his first game and then again on Sunday with the pick six.
Now, thanks to Harrison’s big play, Indianapolis is tied with the Bengals 14-14 at the half and the Colts are in position to have a strong second half. If they can finish the game strong, they’ll pick up their fifth game in a row, and with four more weeks in the regular season, Indy will have a pretty good chance to make a postseason appearance.