Colts’ Taylor Rises to Top Tier of NFL Talent
Jonathan Taylor’s rise in the NFL has been remarkable. After facing injuries and setbacks, the Indianapolis Colts running back is once again making headlines as one of the league’s premier talents. Following a disappointing 2022 season, Taylor has turned the tide in 2025, firmly establishing himself among the top performers in the league.
Historic Comeback from Injury
In December 2022, Taylor suffered a critical injury during a game against the Minnesota Vikings. Wasting a significant 33-point lead, the Colts fell victim to the largest comeback in NFL history. Taylor, sidelined due to an ankle injury, did not return for the remainder of that season and required surgery.
His 2023 season was marred by further injuries and a protracted contract dispute. Many began to question whether his exceptional 2021 season—where he rushed for 1,811 yards and scored 18 touchdowns, setting a franchise record—was an anomaly.
2024 Season Rejuvenation
The 2024 season proved pivotal for Taylor, who rebounded impressively by rushing for 1,431 yards. This strong performance laid the groundwork for his explosive start in 2025.
- Currently leading the NFL in rushing yards (603).
- Leads the league with seven rushing touchdowns.
- Has recorded 15 explosive runs of 10-plus yards, the highest in the league.
- Boasts 324 yards gained after contact, highlighting his unique combination of speed and power.
Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. emphasized Taylor’s prowess, stating, “I don’t think any of us really know what he’s capable of. But I think he’s going to show us this year.”
Learning and Adapting
Throughout his six-year career, Taylor has demonstrated that, when healthy, he operates at an elite level. His growth in understanding the game’s nuances has significantly improved his performance. Early in his rookie season, Taylor struggled to adjust to the speed of the NFL, rushing plays that needed more patience.
Now, he effectively navigates the field, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Taylor elaborated on this shift, stating, “Just being a little bit more patient.” He understands that success on the field requires trust in his teammates and a willingness to bide his time for play development.
Highlight Plays and Skills
One of the defining moments of his season came in a game against the Tennessee Titans. Taylor executed a remarkable 46-yard touchdown run that showcased his agility and strength. The play involved him evading multiple defenders, demonstrating why he is a standout player.
Colts’ center Tanor Bortolini praised Taylor’s ability to make plays happen, saying, “You’re counting on J.T. to make a guy miss, but I have the utmost confidence that he’s going to.”
Increasing Role in Passing Game
In addition to his effective rushing, Taylor has also adapted to a greater role in the passing game. With 20 receptions through the first six games, he is on pace to reach a career high in catches. This increase in involvement reflects both the trust he has built with coaching staff and his ability to contribute in multiple ways on the field.
- Career high in receptions forecasted this season.
- Demonstrated ability to turn short catches into substantial gains.
His versatility makes him a valuable asset, as offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter noted, “Good things happen when the ball is in Taylor’s hands.”
Franchise Records Within Reach
As Taylor continues his dominant performance, he approaches several franchise records. He is just 10 touchdowns shy of matching Edgerrin James’ franchise mark of 64 touchdowns. Additionally, Taylor stands second in Colts history for 100-yard rushing games, trailing only James.
Teammate Michael Pittman Jr. believes there is no doubt about Taylor’s status among the elite, stating, “The things that he’s doing at a consistent level, no one else is doing that.”
Jonathan Taylor’s impressive performances signal his resurgence and reinforce his claim to being among the best running backs in the league as he continues to make significant impacts on the field.
