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The Indianapolis Colts are finally seeing the Jonathan Taylor they traded up for in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft as the rookie running back continues his takeover of the backfield.
Though there was a three-game rut coming out of the bye week, Taylor has completely taken over the backfield during the last month’s worth of games in Indy. He’s showing the Colts he is deserving of the lead role, and the team has no quarrels with that.
His latest performance was one to remember. He torched the Las Vegas Raiders defense taking 20 carries for 150 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
In Taylor’s three games since Week 11—he missed one being on the reserve/COVID-19 list—the Wisconsin product has been outstanding. What’s most notable is the fact that the Colts are actually using him as a starting running back.
In those three games since Taylor got out of his rut, he has taken 55 of 84 carries in the backfield. That’s good for a 65.6% running back rush share, which is nearly double the combined shares of Nyheim Hines (22.6%) and Jordan Wilkins (11.9%).
Over that span, Taylor has taken 55 carries for 331 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns while averaging 6.02 yards per carry. He’s also been impressive in the passing game with nine receptions for 83 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in those games.
We know the Colts like to use a rotation of backs, but it’s clear they want Taylor to be taking the majority of the work. He has the skillset for it, and the Colts traded up for him to lead the backfield. If they don’t have to use a full-blown committee, they won’t.
The game is slowing down for the rookie, who is showing an improved understanding of the blocking schemes while also proving to be much more decisive when locating and hitting the hole.
As the Colts make their push for the playoffs with three games remaining, Taylor has a chance to solidify his role as the lead in the backfield.
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