Colts' Shaquille Leonard Addresses the Lack of 'Splash Plays' to Begin 2023 Season

Linebacker Shaquille Leonard has been all about takeaways and sacks during his career with the Indianapolis Colts. 

From 2018-21, Leonard was the only NFL player with more than 10 sacks and 10 interceptions. He also had 17 forced fumbles during that four-year stretch.

Leonard, though, hasn't intercepted a pass since October 30 of last year. He also hasn't had a forced fumble since January 2, 2022 or had a sack since January 3, 2021.

The 4-time All-Pro linebacker is back on the field, but he hasn't returned to his "maniac" ways. Leonard, though, told the media on Thursday that he is trying to remain patient.

"Just understanding that I've got to play the game -- can't rush everything," Leonard said. "So now, it's mostly just control what I can control, make the plays where I can and then the splash plays will come."

Leonard was anything but patient in his efforts to return to the field last year after he underwent offseason back surgery in June. Leonard missed the first three games of 2022, then returned to play in Week 4.

His return was brief, though, as he suffered a broken nose and concussion in his 2022 debut. He didn't play again until October 30.

Leonard intercepted a pass in his next start, but his overall snap count was down. He played a season-high 34 snaps in Week 9 on November 6, but the linebacker didn't play again after the team fired head coach Frank Reich. 

Instead, Leonard elected to have a second surgery on his back.

He received criticism for not continuing to try and play in November and December. But in April, Leonard shared that he was more selfish for trying to play rather than taking care of himself.

"A lot of people thought I was selfish for shutting it down, having the surgery," Leonard said in April. "But I think the only thing selfishly I did last year was go out there and try to play. I felt like I hurt the team last year whenever I was on the field."

Takeaways tend to come in bunches. That was certainly the case for Leonard in 2021 when he had 8 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions. If he stays healthy, it's likely only a matter of time until the "splash plays" return for Leonard.