Can Colts Maximize Jonathan Taylor Without Burning Him Out?

The Indianapolis Colts have arguably the highest operating again and probably the greatest offensive weapons within the NFL in Jonathan Taylor.

The shelf lifetime of a operating again has been notoriously quick in recent times, so how a lot thought have the Colts put into getting essentially the most out of Taylor whereas additionally defending him long run?

Taylor led the NFL by a large margin in 2021, however he additionally led the NFL in carries with 332. 

“We precisely went via that entire train,” mentioned head coach Frank Reich on utilizing previous efficiency to assist type a plan for Taylor. “(We) checked out each again who’s had a number of touches, what number of touches did they’ve of their profession, what was the movement of their profession?”

“That’s what we do. Such as you guys, we lay awake at evening all these numbers when you get to the offseason. With JT (Jonathan Taylor), does he fall into that very same class as these guys? What’s going to be our quantity?”

Reich admits it is extra than simply Taylor the staff is targeted on, even when Taylor’s touches must be scrutinized essentially the most due to the character of his place.

“I sat down with the offensive workers, I nonetheless bear in mind the assembly, and we talked via not solely JT, we talked via each participant on our offense,” mentioned Reich. “What it may appear to be. What would the best situation be? What number of touches would JT get? What number of would Nyheim (Hines) get? What number of would (Michael) Pittman Jr. get? What about our receiver core? This younger group of receivers, how are we mixing it up with them?”

“What about our tight ends? At the moment we hadn’t even drafted but. So, wasn’t certain what that was going to appear to be. In base, ideally, what number of does our tight finish room get?”

“We type of have a look at these issues as we’re formulating however then it’s important to adapt and alter as you see the gamers, as you’re feeling what we’re doing, as you see what the quarterback likes. That’s the enjoyable half about it for us and when you have got nice gamers, that you simply need to get the ball to, it’s enjoyable to suppose via that stuff.”

Reich mentioned a 55/45 go/run ratio feels about proper week in and week out as he goals to be a balanced offense.

“one hundred pc needs to be a stability,” mentioned Reich. “Everyone knows the adage, an excessive amount of of an excellent factor can spoil – nevertheless the saying goes, however everyone knows the gist of that saying.”

“You simply don’t need to be out of stability. It’s higher to be balanced and that’s what we need to do. The query turns into, effectively, how are you going to outline stability?”

“Everybody on this room could outline stability a distinct means. For us, in my thoughts, I’ve a sure variety of carries, what meaning and a sure variety of touches, targets, what meaning and what it doesn’t imply.”

“It doesn’t additionally imply that you simply by no means exit of stability for somewhat bit. I believe all of us fall out of stability at one level. ‘Hey, we’re somewhat run heavy this week. Okay, let’s get again on monitor.’ Or ‘Hey, we’re somewhat go heavy. Let’s get again on monitor.’ That’s the sport that you simply play.”

The addition of quarterback Matt Ryan, one of the vital prolific passers in NFL historical past, ought to assist the offense obtain the objective of being efficient via the air in addition to on the bottom… one thing the Colts lacked in essential moments within the 2021 season.

That stability shouldn’t solely assist the Colts obtain their objectives of being a extra environment friendly, potent offense, it also needs to assist lengthen the profession of Taylor.

That is a win-win within the eyes of the Colts, and beginning Sunday towards the Houston Texans, Indianapolis is trying to begin piling up wins within the standings as effectively.