The Indianapolis Colts are at a crucial stage as the team navigates the rising quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. This contest extends beyond just finding the starting signal-caller, emphasizing the importance of a strong running game to support an offense still shaping its identity. Central to this strategy is star running back Jonathan Taylor, whose performance will heavily influence the Colts’ prospects this season.
Jonathan Taylor’s Impact and Resilience on the Field
Jonathan Taylor has quickly become one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs, blending resilience with exceptional talent. His rookie year concluded with a franchise-best 253 rushing yards in the final game, a remarkable feat that prefaced his league-leading 1,811 yards in the following season. Despite facing some injury challenges, Taylor amassed an impressive 1,431 rushing yards in 2024, confirming his elite status when healthy.
Taylor’s career average of 89.7 rushing yards per game ranks him as the current NFL leader, ahead of stars like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. Only all-time greats such as Jim Brown and Barry Sanders have maintained higher averages over their careers, underscoring Taylor’s potential for long-term greatness if he can stay healthy moving forward.
Enhancing the Backfield with Strategic Additions
Given Taylor’s tendency to miss an average of 3.5 games each season, the Colts have proactively strengthened their running back depth by signing Khalil Herbert in free agency and drafting DJ Giddens. Both players bring distinct skills, allowing the Colts to diversify their offensive approach and lessen the burden on Taylor.
DJ Giddens has earned comparisons to former Colt Marlon Mack due to his agility and pass-catching skills, and now fully recovered from a wrist injury, he is expected to contribute effectively in pass protection as well. Meanwhile, Khalil Herbert is known for his explosive potential, often turning short runs into significant gains. This combination offers the Colts promising options as they work to revitalize their ground attack.
Balancing Workload and Depth for Sustained Success
While Jonathan Taylor remains the centerpiece of the Colts’ rushing attack, managing his playing time will be critical to keeping him effective throughout the season. The Colts will rely on Giddens and Herbert to share responsibilities, reducing the risk of injury and fatigue. Additionally, players like Goodson could provide valuable change-of-pace options, although his future with the team remains uncertain given the recent backfield acquisitions.
Upcoming Contributors and Practice Squad Prospects
The Colts have also added players such as Salvon Ahmed and Ulysses Bentley IV, who may earn spots on the practice squad as the preseason unfolds. Ahmed’s experience brings depth to the backfield, while Bentley, an undrafted rookie, showcases potential with his quickness and pass-catching ability. Their performances in training camp will be pivotal as the Colts finalize their roster decisions.
The Colts’ Offensive Future Hinges on the Ground Game
As Indianapolis prepares for the upcoming season, plenty of attention will fall on Jonathan Taylor and the revitalized running game. The team’s fate will largely depend on maximizing Taylor’s talent while effectively integrating new contributors into the backfield. This commitment to a stronger ground attack signals a strategic shift designed to reshape the Colts’ offensive identity.
The interplay between Taylor and his supporting cast will play a critical role in how the Colts compete moving forward, especially as Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones vie for the starting quarterback role. How this dynamic unfolds could determine the trajectory of the franchise in the months ahead.