Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is healthy and primed for a great 2024 season. Former NFL star Frank Gore told ESPN he believes Taylor can get 2,000 yards this year:
“JT is built different, man. If he stays healthy, I won’t be surprised if he gets 2,000. With his ability and with the way he moves, it’s crazy. I already knew he was fast. But what I like is how he moves in small spaces, man. I didn’t think he had that.”
Gore was impressed with Taylor, who he worked out with during the offseason in South Florida. Also included in the workouts were Gore’s son, Frank Gore Jr. (a rookie with the Buffalo Bills), Colts running back Evan Hull, San Francisco 49ers rookie Isaac Guerendo, and University of Miami RB Damien Martinez.
Gore knows a thing or two about playing running back. He spent 16 seasons in the NFL with the 49ers, Colts, Miami Dolphins, Bills, and New York Jets. He currently ranks third in NFL career rushing yards with 16,000, trailing Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton.
Will the Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor Rush For 2,000 Yards This Season?
2,000-Yard Rushers in NFL History
Only eight players in NFL history have ever hit the 2,000-yard rushing mark. O.J. Simpson was the first to do so, producing 2,003 yards in 1973.
Eric Dickerson accomplished the feat eleven years later. His 2,105 rushing yards remain the league’s single-season record.
Barry Sanders, who some people feel is the greatest running back of all time, had 2,053 during the 1997 season. That year, he shared the MVP award with Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre.
Terrell Davis (1998), Jamal Lewis (2003), Chris Johnson (2009), and Adrian Peterson (2012) have also rushed for 2,000 yards. Current Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry was the last to do it, recording 2,027 yards in 2020.
Is 2,000 Yards Realistic for Jonathan Taylor?
Jonathan Taylor approached the historic mark during his incredible 2021 campaign. That season, he led the league in carries (332), rushing yards (1,811), and rushing touchdowns (18). He also finished as the runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year, losing to Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Gaining 2,000 yards this season is realistic for Taylor. But, of course, he has to stay healthy. The 2021 Pro-Bowler has missed a combined 13 games over the past two seasons.
Last year, he played in only ten games, and his 741 rushing yards were second on the Colts behind Zack Moss’ 794. He played great at times, though, especially his 188 yards in the Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans. Indy needs the best version of Taylor this season, especially since Moss is now with the Cincinnati Bengals.
With Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly leading the way, the Colts possess one of the league’s top offensive lines. They also have an offensive guru in head coach Shane Steichen. With that said, Taylor could put together a monster season if he avoids the dreaded injury bug. Plus, he won’t be distracted with contract issues like he was a year ago.
The NFL hasn’t seen a 2000-yard rusher in four years. But that doesn’t mean Jonathan Taylor can’t do it in 2024.
Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski – USA Today Sports
