The linebacker position has been a big question mark for the Indianapolis Colts throughout the offseason. But in the team’s first preseason game against New England, head coach Shane Steichen was pleased with what he saw from that unit.
“I was really pleased with those guys,” Steichen said on Sunday, via Colts.com. “Those guys were flying around. There was some big plays made. Some big-time hits.”
Steichen specifically noted the big hit and tackle for loss by rookie Bryce Boettcher.
The trio of Boettcher, Jaylon Carlies, and Austin Ajiake all received good run defense grades from PFF. Combined, the three linebackers made 10 tackles, without a miss, and six run stops. Only 34 total receiving yards were surrendered as well.
What we think we know right now is that CJ Allen will be a starter, with Akeen Davis-Gaither lined up next to him. Ajiake, Boettcher, and Carlies are still competing for backup roles behind those two.
That said, the Colts continue to rotate players heavily at this position. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said that could continue into the season, although Steichen believes that by the end of training camp, the Colts will have more concrete answers and defined roles at this position.
“Honestly, I think that’s going to play itself out,” Steichen said. “Right now we’re in a rotation with all those guys, and I think a lot of those guys bring different attributes to our defense. They’re doing a lot of good things, so I got a lot of confidence in that group and, shoot, we got a couple more weeks of training camp, and we’ll go from there.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Steichen ‘pleased’ with early play of Colts’ defensive position group
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
