INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard has discovered a bit of the latest to encourage him to go into Sunday’s big game against Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay Packers.
Leonard said he has been looking forward to facing Rogers ever since he learned that Green Bay quarterback San Francisco’s Fred Werner has been named the NPL’s best lineliner since playing in Week 9 of the season.
“I saw it as soon as I said it,” Leonard said Thursday. “You hear these kinds of things and it gives you extra motivation to play. [Rodgers has] Stayed in the league for a long time. To say the least about Fred Werner, he plays twice a year, so for the first time I want to leave a mark. Hopefully he will change his mind on what he said about this. “
Finding the smallest thing to encourage yourself is nothing new to Leonard. He used the trick while playing at FCS School, South Carolina State. The Colts used it when they picked him in the second round, when an article referred to him as the worst pick in the 2018 draft.
And now Leonard is using it again.
“Aaron Rogers is a great quarterback,” he said. “It’s a check of the bucket list. Once you get into the league, then you want to play against the best, and that’s one of the best to do that. I’m pumped for that. It’s definitely challenging. They have some skilled boys.”
Based on the statistics, the Colts linebacker has reason to be annoyed by Rogers’ comments to Warner after the game.
Leonard has 23 more tackles, 10 more sacks, four more pressure fumbles and four more interruptions in his career than Warner, who also entered the NFL in 2018, while the 49ers played seven fewer games than the linebacker.
“Everyone makes a fuss; everyone can do it,” said Leonard, who led the NFL in the face of interest. “The inspiration of a great ball player is how well you can change this game. I think I have a lot of linebackers on. I’m a game-changer. Somehow I get the ball in my hand or I get the ball out. Take. Their hands. This is what makes you a great linebacker, not just making textiles. “
The Colts (-3–3) have faced some talented quarterbacks this season, but will be in full hand against the league’s No. 1 ranked defense packers (7-2), who are sixth in the league in total offense.
“I think their offense is – as great as Rogers is – like any offense, they are most dangerous when they have a dual threat while running their running game.” “When they’re actually recording a crime, they play football and then Rogers feeds it. It’s definitely a tough test for our defense all year round.”
Does Leonard plan to say anything to Rogers on Sunday?
“Whatever comes out, comes out,” Leonard said. “My passion, it shows. Every time I play, my emotions, it all overflows. I don’t know if I’m going to tell him something or if I’m just going to play. I just know that I’m ‘matchup I’m waiting. “
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