We move onto the linebacker room as the Indianapolis Colts made a small offseason move to improve the room... but it will still look much different this season. The Colts signed former Bengals linebacker Joe Bachie, an Amaruno disciple. The Colts also saw both EJ Speed and Grant Stuard leave in free agency. Neither were unexpected, but both were key players on defense last season. Both were tackling machines and had an impact on special teams.
This new defensive scheme from Anarumo will bring more focus to the secondary, and less on the linebackers. If you follow past schemes from him, you may only see only two linebackers on the field at times, with added secondary help. This might explain why we have not seen a sense of urgency from the coaching staff to add to the linebacker room.
Pro Bowler Zaire Franklin will return, and Jaylon Carlies will return to the WILL Linebacker spot. While Ballard has preached competition, it appears he will be given the starting job. He was a former safety in college at Missouri, so this really blends into the scheme Anarumo looks to run. This leaves Segun Olubi and Joe Bachie to battle it out for the starting SAM Linebacker spot.
The Case For Segun Olubi
The former undrafted linebacker out of San Diego State has not seen much action in his career. He did have a terrific game against Miami last season, where he forced a fumble and had five tackles. Unfortunately, that was really his only meaningful action of the season. The coaching staff has raved about his work ethic and his ability to be a team player. His focus has been on special teams, where he makes an impact nearly every week. The coaching staff trusts him to be ready when his number is called, and with the injuries this offseason from Franklin and Carlies, it’s his time to see some extra reps.
The Case For Joe Bachie
The biggest argument for Joe Bachie is his connection to Lou Anarumo and his defensive scheme. He was also brought in later in the free agency period, and around the time of the draft. His signing did two things that could really help the team. As already mentioned, it brings in a veteran player with a vast knowledge of the Anarumo system. Second, with the injuries to both known starters, it was simply a body for minicamp.
Bachie has morphed into a realistic starter now for this football team. Bachie can come right in and understand the scheme and expectations. More importantly, he can help teach the scheme to the others on the defense. He has played in 51 career games and, of course, he has always been a heavy contributor on special teams. It would require Bachie to move from WILL to SAM but, again, his knowledge of the scheme could prove effective this season.
Final Prediction
The answer is simple after we lay it all out to see. While Segun Olubi could emerge from training camp, you must give some incentive to Bachie. It seems doubtful that Bachie would not sign with the Colts without a realistic chance to make the team and start. While nothing is guaranteed, the signing makes too much sense for him not to start. The Colts need to win now and Bachie gives them a better chance at winning with him on the field.