Could Jonathan Taylor go down as the greatest running back in Indianapolis Colts history? While it won’t be an easy task, he has the talent to do it.
The Colts picked Taylor in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. That has proven to be one of general manager Chris Ballard’s best moves.
Jonathan Taylor rushed for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns during his rookie year. In 2021, he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). As a result, he was named a First Team All-Pro and was runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year. He was a Pro Bowler last season, finishing with 1,431 yards.
Taylor has averaged at least 100 rushing yards per game in two of his first five seasons. Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Eric Dickerson are the only other players who’ve accomplished that feat.
Despite only playing five years, Taylor is already a Colts legend. We’ll see if he can reach the top of the running back mountain in Indy.
Will Jonathan Taylor Become the Indianapolis Colts’ Greatest Running Back of All Time?
Who Are the Greatest Running Backs in Colts History?
In the past, the Colts have had a few superstar quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck. But you can’t forget about their outstanding running backs. Outside of Jonathan Taylor, perhaps Edgerrin James, Marshall Faulk, Lydell Mitchell, and Eric Dickerson are the franchise’s greatest running backs.
The Colts drafted James fourth overall in 1999. He went on to play seven seasons in Indianapolis. He was a three-time First-Team All-Pro and led the league in rushing twice, including his rookie year. James is the Colts’ all-time leader in rushing yards (9,226) and rushing touchdowns (64).
Faulk is known more for his time with the St. Louis (now Los Angeles) Rams. He won a Super Bowl and an MVP award as a member of the Rams. However, Faulk was also a star in Indy, rushing for over 1,000 yards in four of his five seasons with the team.
Like Faulk, Dickerson is also known for his Rams career. Yet, he made the Pro Bowl twice as a Colt. He played just nine games in his first year in Indianapolis (1987), but still rushed for over 1,000 yards that season. Yeah, that’s pretty impressive.
Meanwhile, Mitchell had a sensational career with the Baltimore Colts during the 1970s. He served as a dual threat, showcasing his ability to run and catch passes. Mitchell led the league in receptions twice, and his 5,487 rushing yards are the third-most in franchise history.
Can Taylor Do It?
Edgerrin James is arguably the Colts’ best running back of all time. If Jonathan Taylor wants to become the RB G.O.A.T., he must surpass James’ rushing yard total. Taylor is second on the franchise’s all-time list with 6,013 yards. He needs 3,214 yards to move past James.
To become the rushing leader, Taylor must stay healthy. He has struggled with injuries lately, only playing in more than 12 games in one of the past three seasons. And, of course, he has to stay in Indianapolis for several more years. Look for Taylor to eventually surpass James and become the Colts’ all-time leading rusher. He plays like a superstar when healthy, and he should come away with a few more productive seasons.
Main Photo: [Grace Hollars/IndyStar] – USA Today Sports
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