Shane Steichen has Clear Vision for Colts Identity
The Indianapolis Colts are set to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST at Lucas Oil Stadium. It will be the first regular season game for new head coach Shane Steichen.
He was asked at media availability on Monday how long it would take for his team to have an identity.
"I think it'll be found out throughout the course of this early on in the season," said Steichen. "You kind of find out about your team that first month, first-four weeks, Week 5, Week 6, right in there. You kind of figure out who you are as a football team."
Steichen may not be sure if Colts have an identity before he coaches his first game, but he's sure what he wants the Indianapolis Colts to be under his leadership.
"We're working through that, but we want to be tough. We want to be physical, and we want to play fast."
One of the players Steichen will lean on to execute his vision for the Colts is linebacker Shaq Leonard. It's a young team on offense where Steichen will focus, but he's thankful to have a veteran like Leonard on the other side of the ball.
"Just his leadership presence out there, and the way he sees the game, and the way he studies the game," said Steichen when asked about Leonard's importance. "Just the presence he brings to our football team out there defensively is tremendous for our guys."
"To have a leader like him, to see it the way he sees it. The way he calls out plays by formation, that stuff's invaluable. We're looking forward to him playing this year."
Leonard's availability was a problem for the Colts last year. He played in just three games before being shut down for the season after Week 9.
Steichen offered an update on his availability for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"He is," said Steichen when asked if Leonard was still in concussion protocol. "But same thing (as Zack Moss). He's progressing well."
Steichen has the personnel to execute his vision as a tough, physical team. How fast they're able to play will likely depend on winning first down and limiting penalties.
He'll get his chance on Sunday in Indianapolis where the Colts are a 4.5-point home underdog to the Jaguars according to SI Sportsbook.
