Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, long regarded as a one-dimensional power runner, is rapidly reshaping his narrative just two games into the new season. While his spectacular running ability has never been in doubt, his development into a reliable third-down asset is turning heads across the league.
Through the first two weeks, the Colts superstar leads the NFL with 236 rushing yards and has complemented his ground game with five catches for 77 yards. He has also been a key part of a blitz pickup unit that has allowed only two sacks despite facing an NFL-high 37 blitzes.
This well-rounded performance challenges the long-standing perception of Taylor as a player with inconsistent hands and pass-blocking skills, which often saw him taken off the field in obvious passing situations.
“For me, not only as a teammate but as a friend, just seeing how he gets overlooked and disrespected in the national media is kind of ridiculous,” said middle linebacker Zaire Franklin. “I’m always going to scream his name from the mountaintops.”
After a promising start to his career as a receiver, which included a 40-catch season in 2021, Taylor’s production in the passing game declined in subsequent years, partly due to injuries. This season, however, he is bucking that trend. Against Denver, he showcased his versatility with two significant plays: a 43-yard catch-and-run up the sideline and a 7-yard touchdown reception.
On the 43-yard play, Taylor reached a top speed of 22.38 mph, the fastest time recorded by an NFL player since 2020, according to Next Gen Stats. The play highlighted a key factor in his resurgence: the quick decision-making of quarterback Daniel Jones, who delivered the ball immediately, allowing Taylor to utilize his explosive speed in open space.
“Sometimes it’s scheme,” Taylor said. “Sometimes, it’s just however the game is going… but at the end of the day, the overall goal is when your number is called, you got to make the play.”
Beyond his receiving, Taylor has made notable strides in pass protection, an area where he has previously struggled. Facing relentless pressure from both Miami and Denver, he has been excellent, crediting improved communication with Jones and center Tanor Bortolini. “That was an aggressive defense, and they want to pressure,” Jones said. “Our guys did a really good job with that. JT was a big part of it.”
Taylor’s comprehensive skill set was on full display against Denver, where he played an impressive 66 snaps—an enormous number for a running back. While the Colts have a promising rookie in DJ Giddens, Taylor’s all-around excellence makes him difficult to substitute.
“When he needs a breather, we’ll give him a breather, but he’s feeling good right now,” said head coach Shane Steichen. For now, the Colts have no intention of taking their revitalized, all-around superstar off the field.
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