Ahead of a 1:00 matchup against the spiraling Miami Dolphins, the Colts will likely be without their sixth-year starting linebacker E.J. Speed.
#Colts LB E.J. Speed (knee) has been downgraded to doubtful vs. the #Dolphins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2024
Speed, who has risen from special teams ace to starting linebacker during his time in Indy, ranks third in the league with 60 total tackles and leads the league with 44 solo tackles.
Although Speed and fellow linebacker Zaire Franklin’s play has been scrutinized by fans this season, their importance to the defense is still valuable. However, it must also be acknowledged that with their volume of tackling attempts comes an abundance of missed tackles as well.
Over the past two seasons, Speed has accumulated 20 missed tackles while Franklin has 19. The issue is more prevalent in Speed with around a 10% missed tackle rate over the last two seasons, whereas Franklin is right around 7%.
The Replacement for Speed
The answer for the starting spot on Sunday will be the rookie linebacker and former Missouri defensive back Jaylon Carlies.
Over the last three weeks, Carlies has seen an increase in playing time and has been an exceptional talent for a struggling defense.
During the 2-1 stretch, Carlies boasts a 90.3 PFF grade with three stops and eleven total tackles. The 2024 fifth-round pick has also donned a 91.3 coverage grade on 22 coverage snaps.
With his incredible pass coverage and improved run defense, Carlies will have a phenomenal opportunity as the starting WILL backer, and he may not give it back once Speed gets healthy.
Additionally, the converted college safety has yet to log a missed tackle in his limited playtime this season.
Another option for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will be to have safety Nick Cross roll into the box even more than he has already been doing.
Cross, who is in his third year out of Maryland, has logged the same amount of tackles as Speed and Franklin this season at 60 each. While the high volume of tackles stems down to the lack of presence from the defensive line, Cross has been fantastic in his role this season and has been one of the few bright spots for the Colts defense.
Whether Cross gets an increase in linebacker snaps or if Carlies will be the lone snap-getter, both young defenders will have a great opportunity to cement themselves into the future of the franchise.
Fans React to Speed, Carlies
Many fans are excited about the chance Carlies will have on Sunday as the starting linebacker over the struggling Speed.
Jaylon Carlies is about to be a household name in Indiana.
— Injonito (@injonito) October 19, 2024
There is a lot to like about Carlies getting the starting nod, and additionally, many fans realize that regardless of Speed’s status Carlies is the future of the Colts’ defense.
it’s ok. jaylon carlies is the future anyway
— Adonai Mitchell’s Burner (3-3) (@beezyski) October 19, 2024
At Missouri, Carlies NFL future was seen from early on in his career.
In his sophomore season, Carlies recorded 55 solo tackles and four interceptions then increased to 60 solo tackles as a junior.
Tackling was always in his nature playing close to the box for Missouri — with an impressive resume of pass coverage to pair, Carlies has the makings to be a truly elite NFL linebacker.
Against Miami, he will have his first start against a struggling Tua-less Dolphin offense that is averaging just 300 yards per game.
Regardless of who the WILL linebacker will be, with the Dolphin offense spiraling it is a great time for the Colts’ defense to step up and play up to their capabilities.
The opportunity is there, can Carlies help bolster Indianapolis to their fourth win of the season? It may not result in a win, but one thing is for sure, the loss will not be because of Carlies playing.
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