Following an offseason where Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor was fully healthy, expectations are high.
“Jonathan Taylor will have a big year,” said GM Chris Ballard on Wednesday.
Taylor has dealt with injuries over the last two seasons, appearing in only 21 out of a possible 34 games. This included playing in only 10 games in 2023.
As Taylor described when meeting with reporters during offseason programs, to a degree, when you begin the season injured–as he did in 2023–rather than being able to maintain, you’re left playing catchup.
However, after being fully healthy this offseason, and able to attack it instead of rehabbing, Taylor feels “really different” and has a lot of confidence heading into the new season.
“You have a lot of confidence,” said Taylor on Wednesday. “Like I said, it’s almost like when you go to take a test, when you haven’t been studying, you have that seed of doubt, but when you’ve had a full offseason of preparation, you know the time, you know the sweat equity you put in you just can’t wait to go and attack it.”
Taylor would rush for 741 yards last season at 4.4 yards per attempt with seven touchdowns. This included a highly-impressive 188 yard performance against Houston in Week 18.
Taylor having a “big year,” as Ballard put it, will be an important element when it comes to the Colts’ offense reaching its full potential. In most instances, a young quarterback’s best friend is a strong run game to lean on.
When the run game is rolling, it keeps the offense out of predictable long down-and-distances, and helps open up the playbook for Shane Steichen and passing game as a whole.
In addition to that, the combination of Taylor and Anthony Richardson in the backfield together will be an added stressor for opposing defenses in Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense.
“It’s so exciting because it’s almost like there’s a whole new element now,” said Taylor about playing with Richardson. “You’re not just worrying about what I’m doing, it’s like, you better worry about this guy because if not he’s going to kill you.”
While Taylor’s presence can help out Richardson, the favor is also reciprocated with Richardson’s presence helping out Taylor because of his ability as both a passer and with the ball in his hands.
Also contributing to a potentially big year for Taylor will be playing behind what should be a top tier offensive line, along with there being a lot of talent at the receiver position that Ballard is quite bullish on, which could result in more opportunities against lighter boxes.
“It feels really different,” said Taylor about this offseason compared to last, “especially when you’re healthy and you know you had a whole offseason full of work. It feels really good.”