Colts' Buckner, Leonard Focused on Containing Lamar Jackson

DeForest Buckner and Shaquille Leonard made it clear who the Indianapolis Colts have their sights on against the Baltimore Ravens.

It is safe to say the Indianapolis Colts are facing their biggest test to date in Week 3.

The Colts are heading out east to take on the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have gotten off to a fast start in 2023, winning both their contests against the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals. Led by head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens look to make it 3-0 at home against a young Colts team.

The Colts, however, will not go lightly. Shane Steichen's squad is coming off a dominant win over the Texans. A new week brings a new challenge, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner knows his team must be prepared for this week's matchup with the Ravens.

“It’s a new week. In this league, you got to have a short memory – win or lose," Buckner said. "Obviously, it’s a big game, especially in-conference and it’s away, and it’s the Ravens. They always play some good football out there, so we have to be on our P’s and our Q’s.”

Buckner and the Colts' defense have started out hot to begin the 2023 season. The front seven for the Colts has continually pressured opposing quarterbacks and routinely brought down ball carriers for minimal gain.

© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

But the Colts will be going up against the best dual-threat quarterback in the league, Lamar Jackson. The 2019 NFL MVP can take over a game with his arm or legs. Jackson's ability makes it incredibly hard for defenses to guard him.

"Lamar Jackson, he’s a special player," Buckner admitted. "He’s a superstar in this league. He’s proven it year in and year out. Using his legs, obviously – if he’s passing from the pocket, he can make those throws. We’ve got to do a good job, especially with him in the passing game, as a defensive front rushing together and making sure we are closing off those rush lanes and containing him as much as we can.”

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The last time the Colts played Jackson and the Ravens was in 2021. Jackson had one of the best games of his career, throwing for 442 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 62 yards on the ground. Indy led 25-9 in the fourth quarter before Jackson led the Ravens back to get the overtime victory.

Buckner witnessed firsthand what Jackson did that night. If the Colts' defense does not stay disciplined, Jackson could see a repeat performance on Sunday. Buckner and the rest of the Colts' defensive front will have to do a good job of keeping Jackson contained in the pocket while getting pressure on the former MVP.

“You’ve got to be conscious, obviously, with them being able to escape the pocket and little things like that," Buckner explained. "Like I said – rushing together as a unit, making sure everybody is on the details and yeah, we played him before. The last game we played him out there, he killed us in the fourth quarter and obviously we still remember that. We’ve got to do a really good job of getting guys in and being fresh and making sure we are containing him.”

Shaquille Leonard witnessed Jackson take over the game that night as well. Many teams will use a linebacker like Leonard to help spy on Jackson, where the backer's sole responsibility is to follow the quarterback around the field in case he takes off to run. Whether it is Leonard, Zaire Franklin, or E.J. Speed, expect the Colts to use a spy on Jackson for much of the game.

“It’s a big challenge," Leonard said. "He’s a dynamic player, a great football player. Very skilled, very skilled guy – he can beat you throwing the ball, running the ball. He’s got some weapons over there. So, it’s definitely going to be a challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”

The Colts defense has more experience dealing with dual-threat quarterbacks than ever. The group has to go up against Anthony Richardson every day in practice, working to contain his running ability and arm talent. Although Richardson has yet to practice this week, and his status for Sunday is in doubt, the Colts should be more equipped to face a quarterback of Jackson's talents.

© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The showdown between the Colts and Ravens is sure to have a lively atmosphere. The fans in Baltimore love their football. Some Baltimore fans still hold animosity towards the Colts for moving out of their city.

40 years later, the Colts return to Baltimore once again. It may be a road game, but Leonard and the rest of the defense are ready to feed off the hostile energy.

"Last time we went out there I think it was a Monday night game," Leonard remembered. "It was rocking. I love it. It’s a great atmosphere to go play football in, especially when you’re the away team and everybody is talking trash to you. That’s something I look forward to.”

Buckner, Leonard, and the rest of the leaders on this Colts defense know the challenge in front of them of defending Jackson and this Ravens' offense. They also are not backing down and are ready to redeem themselves from that embarrassing collapse in 2021.

If the Colts' defense can hold Jackson in check, Indy may just come away with the upset.

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