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There is a chance the Indianapolis Colts will begin the 2020 season without fans in the stands, but linebacker Darius Leonard is worried about the energy levels being down.
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While Leonard and the Colts certainly feed off the crowd and want fans in the stadium, the third-year linebacker is prepared to make up for the lack of crowd noise during the regular season.
A lack of energy won’t be an issue for the Maniac.
“The team would never lack that. That’s something that we talk about. We have to bring our own energy,” Leonard told the media Monday. “For the past three years that I’ve been here, the motto being, ‘Bring the juice.’ No matter where you’re at, bring the juice.”
He didn’t earn the moniker “Maniac” for nothing. Since he was drafted in the second round in 2018, Leonard has been a force of energy during practice and games. His high motor was one of the many traits the Colts fell in love with when scouting him ahead of the draft.
The Colts held a scrimmage on Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium, without fans of course. It may have been an odd feeling not having a crowd behind them, but Leonard wasn’t phased.
“For me, I’m an energetic guy and like today, there were no fans out there. There was nobody watching, but I’m still going to make sure that I lead this defense with the contagious energy that I have,” Leonard said. “No matter if I make a play or my teammates make a play, we have to be able to celebrate together. That’s going to bring juice itself. One guy makes a play, as long as your teammates are celebrating, that’s how the juice is formed. We have to continue to do that with fans or without fans.”
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The Colts defense is one that is predicated on playing fast and executing well. The scheme isn’t dependent on disguising coverage as much as it is simply executing assignments. Leonard has become a vocal leader since the first day he took over the WILL backer spot in 2018, and that won’t change just because there aren’t any fans.
Of course, the Colts would prefer to have their crowd behind them at Lucas Oil Stadium. But that decision may be out of their hands.
Regardless of whether fans are in attendance, Leonard and the Colts defense will bring the juice each and every week.