Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson are healthy and ready to go. That improves the Indianapolis Colts’ chances of having the NFL’s best rushing offense.
A season ago, the Baltimore Ravens led the league in rushing yards with 2,661. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won his second career MVP award, led the way with 821 yards and five touchdowns. Gus Edwards had 810 yards and a team-leading 13 touchdowns. Meanwhile, fellow running backs Keaton Mitchell (396 and 2) and Justice Hill (387 and 3) contributed as well.
Already possessing the league’s top rushing offense last year, the Ravens acquired Derrick Henry earlier this offseason. The former Tennesee Titans star of course is one of the best running backs in football. While Baltimore is the league’s most dangerous running team on paper, can the Colts still emerge as the No. 1 rushing attack in 2024?
Indianapolis Colts Could Have NFL’s Top Rushing Offense in 2024
Jonathan Taylor-Anthony Richardson Duo is Must-See TV
When healthy, there aren’t many running backs better than Jonathan Taylor. Unfortunately, the former Wisconsin Badger has battled injuries the past two seasons. He missed seven games last season and six the previous year.
Taylor was incredible in 2021. He led the league in both rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). He also received First Team All-Pro honors and finished as runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year. If Taylor can stay healthy and return to MVP form, the Colts offense will be dynamic this upcoming season.
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor — two snaps together last season. Two. pic.twitter.com/fqHZMwbrml
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 22, 2024
Speaking of staying healthy, that’s what Anthony Richardson must do. Indy’s franchise quarterback played just four games as a rookie last season due to injury.
But when Richardson was on the field, he showcased his electricity running ability. He produced three rushing touchdowns in four games, which is quite impressive. He had two rushing TDs against the Houston Texans in Week 2. If his season wasn’t cut short, he certainly would’ve competed with C.J. Stroud and Puka Nacua for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Eventually, Richardson will probably join Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick as one of the greatest running quarterbacks of all time. He’s projected to rush for 720 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. That sounds realistic.
Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson have only been on the field together for two snaps thus far. Indy fans can’t wait to see them play for a full season.
cannot wait to see more of the QB run game that Shane Steichen comes up with for Anthony Richardson.
these are back-to-back plays for touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/P4EM5EP3C8
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) June 19, 2024
No Zack Moss, No Problem?
Zack Moss did a fantastic job, serving as Taylor’s primary backup last year. He had a team-high 794 rushing yards to go along with five touchdowns. However, he left this offseason and signed a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Surprisingly, the Colts didn’t replace Moss via the draft or in free agency. Evan Hull, who’s coming off a season-ending meniscus injury, and Trey Sermon will be Taylor’s backups. Although both players are unproven, they could prove to be valuable contributors in 2024.
TREY SERMON.
The power💪#ForTheShoe
— Indy Colts (@IndyColts__) December 17, 2023
Can the Colts finish as the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL? It’s certainly a possibility. Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson could be unstoppable. Plus, the team has one of the league’s best offensive lines. All five starters of the OL (Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Bernhard Raimann, Braden Smith, and Will Fries) are returning. The Colts offense will be fun to watch if everything goes right.
Main Photo: [Mykal McEldowney] – USA Today Sports
