The Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor has been among the most productive running backs through four games this season.
In terms of total rushing yards, Taylor has totaled 349 through Week 4, which is the fifth-most among all backs at this point in the season. This included back-to-back 100-plus yard performances against Green Bay and Chicago.
Taylor has four touchdowns on the ground and is averaging 4.8 yards per rush, showcasing that big play ability we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him. Taylor’s 11 rushes of 10 or more yards are the second-most among running backs. His seven rushes of at least 15 yards are tied for the most.
The overall success of the Colts’ offense begins with Taylor and the run game. Being able to move the ball on the ground puts the offense in short down-and-distance situations, which can open up opportunities in the passing game.
Conversely, struggles–or a lack of opportunities–on the ground can put the offense in predictable passing situations, putting an added strain on what has largely been an up and down passing game for the Colts.
After totaling 28 rush attempts in the first two games, there’s been an added effort to get Taylor touches these last two weeks, with him carrying the ball 44 times against Chicago and Pittsburgh.
Unfortunately, Taylor would exit Sunday’s game against the Steelers early with what has been reported as a high ankle sprain. Head coach Shane Steichen said that the team would not put Taylor on injured reserve, but his status for this week’s game against Jacksonville is unknown.
More on Taylor’s injury, click here for an update from Ian Rapoport.
