Jonathan Taylor is back. Was he ever really gone could be the question, but whether one feels the running back for the Indianapolis Colts seemed to be slipping over the last few years, this season proves he is back among the elites. 2021 saw him post insane numbers and run roughshod over the rest of the NFL. It was his coming out party, but the lights quickly went out as his health became a factor and the inability of the organization to find an elite player at quarterback took its toll. Those fears are starting to fade into the rearview mirror, however.
Taylor missed a lot of time over the last three seasons, appearing in eleven, ten, and fourteen games. He was hampered by a thumb injury and a high ankle sprain that never seemed to heal. The ankle dragged on into the infamous hold-out and cost him way too much time after an offseason to heal. Taylor got his contract but struggled to find his way back onto the field in 2023. Running backs can get dinged up and too many dings can affect burst and speed. Taylor is looking like the back of old as he is on pace to surpass 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. That would put him right up there with his 2021 masterclass season and show health is the key to his success.
If his health is the key then having a competent quarterback who can provide a high level of consistent play is the hand that turns that key. Just like most quarterback and running back duos, they feed off each other. Daniel Jones is the reclamation story of the NFL in part to having a feared running game. The reverse works for Taylor. When teams can’t load the box, it opens everything up for the running back. Taylor can make his own holes and break tackles but it makes it a lot easier when the defense has to honor a high level passing game too. The emergence of strong receiver play and a top tier tight end make Taylor less of the game plan focus and therefore, more of a threat. He is still a focus, but not the only one. That allows him to shred the opponent on the ground.
Jonathan Taylor is having another magical run which highlights his ability to find the endzone, make something out of nothing, and break off huge runs. Those are all the components needed to be in the conversation for Offensive Player of the Year. Not dealing with nagging injuries and being a part of a multidimensional offense have been the key ingredient. With someone like Taylor, one can only expect him to get stronger as the season progresses. If that happens and he retains his health, the rest of the NFL will be in danger.
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