The Indianapolis Colts' running back room is looking solid heading into the season, with Jonathan Taylor leading the charge. Taylor, a proven star, will take the bulk of the carries, but what makes the Colts’ backfield particularly intriguing is the depth behind him. General manager Chris Ballard has expressed his satisfaction with the trio of running backs supporting Taylor, making it clear that this group has the potential to be a game-changer for the Colts this season.
Key Points to Watch
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Jonathan Taylor's Dominance: Taylor is expected to handle the majority of the workload, and his combination with quarterback Anthony Richardson presents a unique challenge for opposing defenses. Their dynamic will be crucial to the Colts' success, keeping defenses on their toes and opening up the playbook for a more versatile offense.
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Backup Battle: Trey Sermon emerged as the clear backup option behind Taylor, thanks to his hard-nosed running style and consistency. Last season, Sermon carried the ball 35 times for the Colts, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. He entered the offseason as the favorite for the backup role, and he didn’t disappoint, quickly securing his spot. His physicality adds a different element to the backfield, providing a change of pace that can keep defenses guessing.
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Third-String Showdown: The more intriguing competition was for the third-string running back position between Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull. Both backs have shown potential, but Goodson’s performance during training camp and preseason set him apart. Goodson demonstrated a more well-rounded skill set, particularly as a ball carrier, which ultimately earned him the roster spot over Hull.
Ballard noted, "We still like Hull, but at the end of the day, Goodson just did a little bit more—he’s a little more well-rounded right now. But look, Hull's still going to be definitely in the mix with us." Hull was subsequently signed back to the Colts’ practice squad, keeping him in the fold should the need arise during the season.
Performance Insights
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Goodson vs. Hull: Goodson showcased some serious juice in preseason action, averaging 4.1 yards per carry overall, and an impressive 5.1 yards per attempt over his final 19 carries in the last two games. This consistency in finding lanes and exploiting defenses was a key factor in his rise up the depth chart. In contrast, Hull averaged 3.4 yards per rush in the preseason and struggled to find the same rhythm, aside from a notable 14-yard run against Arizona. The difference in production made Goodson the more appealing option as the season approaches.
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Pass-Catching Versatility: Both Goodson and Hull bring a valuable pass-catching ability to the Colts' running back group, an increasingly important skill in today’s NFL. Goodson, however, distinguished himself not just with his hands but also with his vision and burst as a runner, making him a dual threat that can contribute in multiple ways.
The Bigger Picture
A strong run game isn’t just about racking up yards; it's about dictating the flow of the game. For the Colts, having a reliable and productive backfield can help keep them ahead of the chains, allowing the offense to stay out of predictable passing situations. This kind of balanced attack is invaluable, especially with a young quarterback like Anthony Richardson, who will benefit from the pressure relief that a formidable ground game provides.
Taylor’s superstar presence, combined with Sermon’s toughness and Goodson’s versatility, gives the Colts a well-rounded backfield that could become a cornerstone of their offense. As Ballard succinctly put it, "I think it's a good, well-rounded group. And I think we've got Jonathan, who I think's a superstar."
Why This Matters
The combination of Taylor’s explosiveness and Richardson’s dual-threat capability in the backfield is something defenses will have to account for every game. This tandem has the potential to create mismatches and open up opportunities for the entire offense, making the Colts' run game one of the most critical components of their game plan.
Furthermore, having depth and versatility behind Taylor ensures that the Colts won’t miss a beat if he needs a breather or if matchups dictate a change in strategy. Goodson’s ability to step up, Sermon’s hard-nosed approach, and Hull’s presence on the practice squad provide a level of insurance and flexibility that many teams lack.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the Colts' running back situation appears to be in good hands. The mix of established talent and emerging potential makes this a group to watch. With Taylor setting the tone and the backups ready to contribute, the Colts have the tools to control games on the ground and take pressure off their young quarterback.
In a league that often prioritizes the passing game, the Colts are banking on a balanced approach that starts with a dominant run game. If Taylor and his supporting cast can deliver, Indianapolis could find itself with one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. So keep an eye on this backfield—it’s not just about Jonathan Taylor anymore; it’s about a collective effort that could drive the Colts' success this season.
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