Colts running back Jonathan Taylor might have an exceptional 2024 season, similar to his standout 2021 NFL All-Pro year.
Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, expects running back Jonathan Taylor to have a standout season in 2024, now that he’s fully healthy and paired with second-year dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson. Despite being sidelined for part of the previous season—playing only 10 games with 7 starts after recovering from offseason ankle surgery and later a thumb injury—Taylor showed he’s back to form in the final game of the season.
Even without Richardson, who was lost to a season-ending shoulder injury, Taylor demonstrated glimpses of his 2021 NFL First-Team All-Pro performance. That year, Taylor led the league in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. In the last game of the previous season, he racked up 188 rushing yards on 30 carries and a touchdown, nearly leading the Colts to the playoffs and the AFC South title before falling short against the Houston Texans.
“Jonathan Taylor will have a big year”
— #Colts GM Chris Ballard pic.twitter.com/kzY1YO1CKb
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) July 25, 2024
Given Taylor’s previous success with a mobile quarterback like Carson Wentz, there’s excitement about the potential of the RPO game with Richardson. Richardson’s superior mobility and athleticism compared to Wentz could make for a dynamic offensive pairing next season.
Lol ask and you shall receive, my friend!
Here’s #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor talking about joining Anthony Richardson in the backfield again.
“You’re not just worried about what I’m doing. It’s like, ‘You better worry about this guy (too) because if not, he’s gonna kill you.’” https://t.co/Xop80dbtxJ pic.twitter.com/FK1smFzwkc
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 24, 2024
Compared to the Colts’ former interim starter Gardner Minshew, who stepped in for Richardson last season, Indy’s new franchise quarterback has a much stronger arm. This will likely force opposing defenses to be more cautious about crowding the box against Taylor and the running game, as the second-year quarterback can punish them with deep passes.
Overall, Ballard seems right in thinking that Taylor could have a huge comeback season—provided both he and Richardson remain fully healthy throughout 2024.
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