Colts: Jonathan Taylor Building On His 2020 Strong Finish

The big news this offseason, when it came to the Indianapolis Colts, was the acquisition of quarterback Carson Wentz via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. But the story this season to date when it comes to Frank Reich’s team on the offensive side of the ball has been a big-play performer in his second season with the franchise.

When you think of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, only one thought can come to mind…

Breakout star.

Reich has used the words “powerhouse” and “unique talent” when it comes to the young runner. And it is just as important to get Taylor involved in the passing game as well as the running attack.

When it comes to the latter, he’s averaging 123.5 yards per game on the ground in his last four outings. Indianapolis is 4-0 this season when Taylor reaches the century mark in rushing yardage. He comes off his most productive performance of the year via 19 carries for 172 yards and two touchdowns in the club’s 45-30 Thursday night win over the Jets.

Back to the point of getting the former University of Wisconsin standout the ball more in terms of the aerial game. Taylor not only has the Colts’ longest play on the ground this season (83 yards) but its longest pass play (76-yard TD reception).

Reich has had great success getting Michael Pittman Jr. (50 receptions, 5 for scores) and Nyheim Hines (24 receptions) but could lean on Jonathan Taylor a little more when it comes to the passing attack. All told, he has scored at least one touchdown in six straight games and leads the team with nine total TDs.

Around FPC

NFL: Odell Beckham Jr., Rams Agree To One-Year Deal

NFL: NFL 2021: Five Key Statistics for Week 10

NFL: Patriots Very Much Alive In AFC East Race

NHL: Fantasy Hockey Turkeys: Donuts For Goals

Wrestling: AEW Full Gear 2021 Predictions

PODCAST: The Eye Test For Two – Ep 80: Seth Wickersham Joins To Talk Brady, Patriots, and More

Oh, What a Rush

This season, the second-year running back currently ranks second in the NFL with 821 yards on the ground. That’s 116 yards behind the Titans’ Derrick Henry (937) but the latter is out of action. For what it’s worth, the last Colts’ player to lead the league in rushing yards was Pro Football Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, who turned the trick as a rookie in 1999 as well as 2000.

Now keep in mind that the Colts resided in the AFC East during James’ first two years in the league. Meanwhile, having a member of the AFC South lead the National Football League in rushing yardage isn’t exactly breaking news. Henry has turned the trick the past two seasons in 2019 and ’20. There was Tennessee’s Chris Johnson in 2009, Houston’s Arian Foster a year later and Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew in 2011.

So will Taylor join that list by season’s end? Regardless, he has been the team’s biggest offensive playmaker to date in 2021.