Tag: Jonathan Taylor

Return of Anthony Richardson gives Colts’ rushing offense a boost

The return of Anthony Richardson at QB should give the Indianapolis Colts run game and Jonathan Taylor a boost.

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Wednesday that Anthony Richardson will be the team’s starting quarterback moving forward.

While Jonathan Taylor is a top back and can be productive in really any environment, this recent development should provide a boost to the Colts’ running game.

As noted by Zach Hicks of Sports Illustrated’s Horseshoe Huddle, with Joe Flacco at quarterback this season, Taylor is averaging 4.4 yards per rush with an explosive run rate of 12 percent.

On the flip side, with Richardson under center, he is averaging 5.1 yards per carry with an explosive run rate of 17 percent.

While numbers can be misleading at times, this likely isn’t one of those instances. Defenses cannot defend Taylor nearly as aggressively when Richardson is under center because of his ability as a ball carrier. This also opens up more RPO opportunities for Shane Steichen to dial up.

In addition to the boost that Taylor looks to be getting with Richardson back on the field, defenses will now also have to account for designed quarterback runs–something that wasn’t in play with Flacco at quarterback–and, in general, be mindful of Richardson’s ability to extend plays and go off script, which on it’s own can lead to big plays, both on the ground and through the air.

A strong run game, in theory, can then have a positive trickle-down effect to the passing game. It helps keep the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations, forcing the defense to defend the entire field, creating space and potential one-on-one matchups to attack. A steady run game presence can also set up play-action opportunities as well.

This week, the Colts will be facing a Jets run defense that is allowing 4.3 yards per carry this season, which ranks 12th in the NFL through 10 weeks.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor eclipses 100-yard mark again vs Bills

For the fourth time this season, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor eclipsed the 100-yard mark vs the Bills.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had another 100-yard performance on Sunday against the Bills. This is now his fourth 100-plus-yard game in seven appearances this season.

After being bottled up the week prior in Minnesota, Taylor rushed for 114 yards versus Buffalo on 21 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt.

While the overall numbers for Taylor look great, it was a very boom-or-bust performance from him. Of Taylor’s 21 carries, three of them accounted for 93 of his yards, with rushes of 58, 13, and 22 yards.

The Bills would adjust well as the game went on, despite giving up some big runs early. As noted by ESPN’s Stephen Holder, Taylor rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries in the first half. But then in the second half, Taylor carried the ball just five times for seven yards.

“They started bringing some pressures, some run stunts,” said Shane Steichen post game. “But we’ll go back and look at it. Obviously JT had some big runs early. Popped a big one to start the game down the boundary. Tried to come back to that one again.”

Although the Colts were trailing in the second half, it was just a one score game until 10:28 left in the fourth quarter. So getting away from the run game, which is something the offense can hang its hat on at this time, is something that shouldn’t have happened.

But situationally speaking, the Colts did try to run the ball early on those second half drives, but with the Bills bottling up Taylor, it resulted in numerous long down-and-distance situations where Indianapolis felt obligated to pass the ball, which obviously wasn’t working well.

From there, the inability to move the sticks when behind the chains resulted in short possessions and quick punts, further hurting the Colts’ ability to run the ball.

Could the Colts have been more persistent in the run game in the second half? I think you can say that. However, in today’s NFL, relying solely on the run game to be your offense is also a tough way to live.

Credit the Bills for making adjustments that slowed Taylor and without the Colts having a passing game to help shoulder the workload on offense, that’s a lot to overcome.

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Colts in Week 10

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Colts in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 10 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Bills (7-2) and Colts (4-5) have been trending in different directions as of late. The Bills have won four in a row while the Colts have lost their last two.

The Bills haven’t won in Indianapolis since 1999. This week, they are four-point favorites to win against a solid Colts team. Even though the Bills will be picked to win by many, there are always a few things that make winning difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 10:

Joe Flacco can still sling it

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In his 17th year in the NFL, Joe Flacco still has a more-than-capable throwing arm. Thrust into the starting lineup for a struggling Anthony Richardson, Flacco has the numbers to back that he is a threat through the air at 39 years old.

In four games played this year, he has posted seven touchdowns with just two interceptions and a 94.5 passer rating. In games that Richardson played this year, the Colts averaged 18.8 points per game, and with Flacco, they are averaging 23.5 ppg.

The Bills passing defense, which ranks 15th in the NFL in DVOA, will be tested in Week 10.

Jonathan Taylor on the ground

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With running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, and now Flacco under center, the Colts offer a balanced attack on offense. Taylor is coming off of an unproductive Week 9 when he had 48 rushing yards and just 3.7 yards per carry against a stout Minnesota Vikings defense.

He’ll be looking to bounce back, and he has a history of gashing the Bills. In 2021, Taylor had 185 yards and five rushing touchdowns in a Colts blowout win over the Bills.

The Bills will have to gameplan to try to limit what he can do. Last week, the Bills gave up over five yards per carry to both Miami Dolphins’ running backs. While they have gotten gashed a few times on the ground this year, their run defense still ranks sixth in DVOA. Facing Taylor will be a good measuring stick to see what the Bills’ front seven can handle.

Colts keep it close

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Every game for the Colts this year has been a one-score game. They haven’t lost by more than eight and haven’t won by more than six. They’ve been in all nine games to this point. Despite being 4-5 and making a recent quarterback switch, they’re a better team than many think. They very well could be above .500 had Flacco been the starter all year.

At home, the Colts are 3-1 this year, including a 27-24 win with Flacco under center over a good Pittsburgh Steelers team. If Bills fans have a strong showing like they did in Seattle two weeks ago, it would be a big boost for the team.

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Colts in Week 10

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Colts in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills will play the Indianapolis Colts on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 10.

The Bills (7-2) are looking to build on a four-game win streak, the latest being a nail-biter against the Miami Dolphins. The Colts (4-5) are on a two-game losing streak, dropping close games to the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings.

Buffalo is favored by four points in this one but recent history suggests otherwise. The team hasn’t won in Indianapolis since 1999 when Doug Flutie was under center. They have lost in their last six tries.

When the Bills try to end that streak on Sunday, they’ll be going against a very competitive ball club. All nine of the Colts’ games this year have been decided by one score or less.

The Bills will need to execute their game plan to pick up their eighth win of the year.

With that, here are three keys to a Bills win in Week 10:

Limit big runs from Jonathan Taylor

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Many are now doubting the Bills’ ability to stop the run after they were gashed by Dolphins runners De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. But, even though both averaged over five yards per carry in the game, the Buffalo didn’t allow them to have big runs.

After allowing a run of 20 yards in four of their first six games this year, the Bills haven’t allowed one in their last three games.

Enter Jonathan Taylor. In his one career game vs. the Bills in 2021, he ran for 185 yards and five touchdowns in a Colts blowout win.

After Taylor had a rough outing last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, you know he is looking to get back on track. He will most likely get chunks of yards at times, but if the Bills can make sure none slip away for big gains, it will help their chances on the road.

A balanced attack

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The best teams in the NFL are labeled that way because they can attack you in different ways. The Bills are no exception. They have leaned into a balanced approach under offensive coordinator Joe Brady and they have reaped the benefits.

It is no longer quarterback Josh Allen dropping back and trying to create something for the majority of the time. According to FTN Fantasy, the Bills rank seventh in the NFL in rushing DVOA while ranking third in passing. They are elite in both categories.

The Colts’ defense, on the other hand, is lacking in both categories. They rank 28th in passing DVOA and 17th in rushing. The Bills will have opportunities on offense, but tipping your hand and neglecting either the pass or run would make things more difficult than necessary.

Stay close to Josh Downs

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Joe Flacco loves to throw it to slot receiver Josh Downs. In he four games with Flacco under center, here are Downs’ numbers per game:

  • 9.75 targets
  • 7.5 catches
  • 69.25 receiving yards
  • 0.5 touchdowns

In a run-heavy offense for Indy, Downs has been the most targeted wide receiver on a per-game basis, and he has the most receiving yards per game. He also adds an average of 5.0 yards after the catch, per Fantasy Pros.

It would be a big boost if the Bills’ defense could hold Downs to minimal gains after the catch.

He likes to sit underneath in the holes of defenses, with an average depth of target of 6.6 yards. He’ll be a focal point of the Bills coverage in Week 10, and he draws a tough matchup with Taron Johnson in the slot.

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Bills vs. Colts: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 10

Bills vs. Colts: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills (7-2) will face the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) on the road in their upcoming Week 10 matchup.

The games within the game will make all the difference for the Bills as they try to win in Indianapolis for the first time since 1999.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Colts contest:

Bills front seven vs. Jonathan Taylor

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The Bills’ front seven has been inconsistent this year in defending the ground game, and they have been under the microscope this week after allowing the Miami Dolphins to run all over them. Running backs De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert each averaged over five yards per carry and combined for 119 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Now, they have Jonathan Taylor to worry about.

Taylor has been one of the best backs in the NFL when healthy since he entered the league. This year he is averaging an impressive 4.8 yards per carry and is 19th in the NFL in rushing yards (502), just ahead of James Cook (496).

The Bills will need execution and effort from their front seven throughout the game to keep Taylor in check. Guys like DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver, and Greg Rousseau will be counted on to make an impact at the line of scrimmage.

CB Taron Johnson vs. WR Josh Downs

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Slot cornerback Taron Johnson, a second-team All-Pro last year, will be tested by a young up-and-comer in Week 10. Second-year wide receiver Josh Downs operates out of the slot and has quickly gained rapport with quarterback Joe Flacco.

In four games together this year, Downs has averaged 9.75 targets, 7.5 receptions, and 69.25 receiving yards per contest. He has the most catches from Flacco by a decent margin and has been the most-targeted receiver in all four games.

Johnson has a tough task with keeping tabs on Downs and also being ready to head downhill to tackle Taylor in the running game. It’s a tall task but that’s nothing new for one of the best nickel corners in the game.

QB Joe Flacco vs. Bills pass coverage

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We could more widely talk about the playcalling duel between Shane Steichen and Bobby Babich, but let’s zoom in a bit. Flacco vs the Bills’ coverage will be a chess match to watch.

Flacco has been around the block. In his 17th year, he is still proving he can be effective. He has seven touchdowns and two interceptions through four games played, and his 94.5 passer rating ranks 14th in the NFL.

The Bills passing defense struggled against the Dolphins last week as Tua Tagovailoa completed 89% of his passes. The Bills currently rank middle-of-the-pack in passing defense DVOA (15th).

The defense might have a little bit of an easier day if WR Michael Pittman Jr. can’t play due to injury, but what would really help them is having more of a pass rush.

Packers running back details Wisconsin recruitment, the ‘most boring visit ever’

Packers running back details Wisconsin recruitment, the ‘most boring visit ever’

It’s safe to say that Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon did not enjoy his recruiting visit to Wisconsin during the class of 2017 cycle.

Dillon detailed the visit as ‘the most boring [he’d] ever been on’ on a recent episode of his podcast, Toonen to Dillon.

Related: Wisconsin football’s all-time leading rushers

Some background: the current Packers running back and former Boston College Eagle was a four-star running back in the class of 2017. Wisconsin was one of the many top programs to enter his recruitment — a group that also included Michigan, Notre Dame, Florida State and Nebraska.

Dillon described his visit to Madison during his recruiting process, saying, ‘I’m there as a high school kid, and all we did is we went to Buffalo Wild Wings.’ He did so after reading what appears to be a letter from the Badgers apologizing for the visit, emphasizing that was the program’s No. 1 running back target in the class.

Dillon did clarify that his opinion on the state of Wisconsin, and the city of Madison, has changed since beginning his career with the Packers.

“Now I love Wisconsin,” Dillon continued. “And every time I go down to Madison, it’s so much fun.”

Dillon ended up at Boston College in the class of 2017, ranked as the No. 324 player in the class and No. 1 recruit from the state of Connecticut. He went on to play three years with the Eagles before entering the 2020 NFL draft, where the Packers selected him with the No. 62 overall pick.

Dillon’s stats at Boston College from 2017-19 include 845 total carries, 4,382 rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns.

Those numbers fall short of the top running back that Wisconsin landed in the 2017 cycle — a player who would not have been a Badger had Dillon pledged to the class.

That is all-time great Jonathan Taylor, a fringe-four-star recruit ranked as the No. 24 running back in the class.

Taylor’s numbers from 2017-19: 926 carries, 6,174 rushing yards, 6.7 yards per carry and 50 rushing touchdowns.

It worked out for all parties in the end. Dillon got to the NFL, while Wisconsin saw arguably the greatest three-year run at the position in college football history.

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Wisconsin legend scores touchdown in return from injury

Wisconsin legend scores touchdown in return from injury

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor reached the end zone in his first game in nearly a month on Sunday vs. the Houston Texans.

After being sidelined for three consecutive weeks with a high ankle injury, Taylor suited up for the Colts in the team’s eighth game of the year against division foe Houston at NRG Stadium.

The two-time Doak Walker Award winner took 20 carries for 105 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the Colts’ 23-20 loss.

Taylor’s score arrived at the 8:33-minute mark of the fourth quarter. With the ball at Houston’s one-yard line, quarterback Anthony Richardson handed the ball to Taylor. The Badger alumnus lowered his shoulder and powered into the end zone to cut the Texans’ lead to 23-19.

The Colts continued to fumble and punt on their final two possessions, failing to erase the three-point deficit.

Despite Taylor’s extensive injury history, his output this season is on par with what he produced in years prior. In just five games, Taylor has rushed 92 times for 454 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He has also reeled in seven passes for 89 yards.

Taylor and the Colts will face Minnesota Vikings in their next game of the 2024 season on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 7:20 p.m. CT in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Will Jonathan Taylor play this week? Injury updates for Colts RB

Will Jonathan Taylor be back for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8 against the Houston Texans?

Jonathan Taylor is back in action. 

If the Houston Texans can’t duplicate their success from Week 1 against the Pro Bowl runner, they’re in for a long afternoon at NRG Stadium. 

As the Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts, both teams are trending in different directions. Houston (5-2) is without its star receiver Nico Collins and several defensive players, including linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive back Jimmie Ward. 

Indianapolis (4-3) recently announced that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner would come off the injured reserve and make his debut in Week 8 on the road. Receiver Josh Downs is also expected to play after missing several games with a lower-body injury. 

And Taylor? Barring a last-second injury, expect to see him on the field for the first time in three weeks. 

Jonathan Taylor injury update

Taylor suffered an ankle injury in Week 4’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Colts coach Shane Steichen never put a timetable on the All-Pro running back’s injury but did mention it would be a “week-to-week” evaluation. 

Taylor practiced for a third consecutive day Friday and was not given a status designation on the week’s final injury report, meaning he’s cleared to play on Sunday in hopes of securing a tie for the AFC South division title. Taylor has been known as a Texans’ tyrant over his tenure since being drafted out of Wisconsin in 2020, especially in recent years.

In Week 18 against the Texans last year, Taylor rushed for 188 yards and scored a touchdown in a 23-19 loss. In 2022, he rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 opener. 

Taylor still is on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards for the third time in his career. In four active games this season, he’s averaging 87.3 yards per contest with four touchdowns. Taylor also has totaled 11 explosive runs of over 10 yards. 

How long will Jonathan Taylor be out?

Taylor will suit up for the first time since Week 4. He is not expected to miss any more time because of his previous injury. 

Colts RB depth chart

Indianapolis’ run game has been inconsistent this year without Taylor. Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon have rotated as the top option, but quarterback Anthony Richardson ranks second in rushing yards with 197. 

Goodson totaled 51 yards in games against the Titans and Dolphins and scored a touchdown in Week 7. Sermon averaged 4.5 yards in Sunday’s win over Miami. 

Colts’ Shane Steichen ‘optimistic’ about RB Jonathan Taylor returning to practice this week

Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that he is “optimistic” that RB Jonathan Taylor can return to practice this week.

Meeting with reporters on Monday following the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins, head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that he was “optimistic” that running back Jonathan Taylor would return to practice this week, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.

Taylor has been sidelined since exiting the Colts’ Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a high-ankle sprain. He is yet to return to practice.

Without Taylor, the Colts’ run game has struggled to get going–although this past week it did improve with Anthony Richardson back in the mix. Although Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson would average just 3.9 yards as a duo, Richardson ran for 56 yards of his own, not to mention that how defenses defend the Colts’ run game changes drastically when they have to be concerned about Richardson.

Having Taylor back in the mix will not only provide the run game with a boost, but should help the passing game as well, helping to keep the offense out of predictable passing situations along with opening up opportunities off play-action or in the RPO game.

Prior to sustaining the ankle injury, Taylor was one of the more productive backs in football, ranking top-five in rushing yards along with being one of the best at generating big plays.

If Taylor does return to practice, that doesn’t guarantee that he will be on the field Sunday in Houston, but it’s certainly a good sign.

In addition to Steichen saying he was optimistic about Taylor returning to practice, he said the same about DeForest Buckner who is still on injured reserve. Steichen mentioned something similar late last week as well in regards to Buckner. For more on that, click here.

Wisconsin running back joins elite company in 42-7 victory over Rutgers

Wisconsin running back joins elite company in 42-7 victory over Rutgers

Wisconsin running back Tawee Walker joined some elite Badger company following his monster performance against Rutgers on Saturday.

After rushing for three touchdowns vs. the Scarlet Knights in New Jersey, Walker joined Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor as the third UW running back to record three straight multi-touchdown games since 2014.

Alongside his three rushing scores, Walker registered 198 rushing yards and three receiving yards on 25 total touches.

In Week 6 against the Purdue Boilermakers, the senior back accounted for three more scores and 94 rushing yards off 19 carries. A week prior, the former Oklahoma Sooner burst onto the scene for the Badgers with 55 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Walker’s emergence arrives at the perfect time for offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Since news broke that Chez Mellusi would be leaving the program, Walker has become Wisconsin’s most reliable rushing threat.

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The company Walker joins is no joke. Taylor, now a star in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, pocketed a pair of Doak Walker Awards with the Badgers during his collegiate tenure. Gordon, meanwhile, was the 2014 Heisman runner-up and set the FBS record for career rushing average with 7.79 yards per carry when he left Madison.

Through five appearances, Walker has rushed for 439 yards, nine touchdowns and 87.8 yards per game. His next opportunity to reach the end zone will be on Oct. 19 against Northwestern on the road.