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With training camp drawing closer, we will be highlighting the one big question that faces each Indianapolis Colts' position group.
Up next are the running backs. While we could focus on the battle for RB2, our attention will instead be on Jonathan Taylor and how Daniel Jones' return could provide the run game with a jolt.
A big part of the Colts' red-hot start to the season in 2025 was the play of Taylor. As ESPN's Ben Solak noted recently, through 10 games, Taylor had rushed for 1,139 yards -- or 114 yards per game -- and he was on pace for nearly 2,000 yards. He also rushed for 15 touchdowns.
But during the two games that Jones played with a fibula injury and then after his season ended with the Achilles injury, the Colts' run game didn't have the same juice.
From Weeks 12 through 18, Taylor didn't eclipse the 100-yard mark once. He also averaged below 4.0 yards per carry in six of those seven games, per PFF.
Once Phillip Rivers took over, the pendulum swung with the Colts leaning heavily on shotgun alignments and trying to spread the defense out. Defenses also loaded the box often, not worried about Rivers pushing the ball downfield.
Add all that together, and it makes running the ball very difficult.
While all eyes may be on Jones, for this Colts' offense to be at its best, they need Taylor and a run game to lean on. A good rushing attack keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations. When operating from manageable down-and-distances, it opens up the playbook for Shane Steichen and opportunities in the passing game.
It's all connected. Jones' return should help create more advantageous looks for Taylor to run against, and that will, in turn, create more opportunities for Jones to exploit in the passing game. The entire Colts offense will then benefit.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Big question for Colts' running back position ahead of training camp
Continue reading...
Up next are the running backs. While we could focus on the battle for RB2, our attention will instead be on Jonathan Taylor and how Daniel Jones' return could provide the run game with a jolt.
How can Daniel Jones' return give Jonathan Taylor and the run game a boost?
A big part of the Colts' red-hot start to the season in 2025 was the play of Taylor. As ESPN's Ben Solak noted recently, through 10 games, Taylor had rushed for 1,139 yards -- or 114 yards per game -- and he was on pace for nearly 2,000 yards. He also rushed for 15 touchdowns.
But during the two games that Jones played with a fibula injury and then after his season ended with the Achilles injury, the Colts' run game didn't have the same juice.
From Weeks 12 through 18, Taylor didn't eclipse the 100-yard mark once. He also averaged below 4.0 yards per carry in six of those seven games, per PFF.
Once Phillip Rivers took over, the pendulum swung with the Colts leaning heavily on shotgun alignments and trying to spread the defense out. Defenses also loaded the box often, not worried about Rivers pushing the ball downfield.
Add all that together, and it makes running the ball very difficult.
While all eyes may be on Jones, for this Colts' offense to be at its best, they need Taylor and a run game to lean on. A good rushing attack keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations. When operating from manageable down-and-distances, it opens up the playbook for Shane Steichen and opportunities in the passing game.
It's all connected. Jones' return should help create more advantageous looks for Taylor to run against, and that will, in turn, create more opportunities for Jones to exploit in the passing game. The entire Colts offense will then benefit.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Big question for Colts' running back position ahead of training camp
Continue reading...
