Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor Poised for All-Pro Season in 2024 | Horseshoe Huddle Podcast

The #IndianapolisColts are not dealing with any #JonathanTaylor drama this offseason, and the running back could be on the cusp of another All-Pro year. Andrew Moore and Drake Wally continue their #Colts positional previews with the running back position, including what to expect and where the group ranks amongst the #AFCSouth. What are your expectations for Taylor this season? The guys also discuss the latest Colts news and rumors.

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expecting huge things from the running back is JT poised for another All Pro season and how does the Colts running back room stack up with the rest of the AFC South let’s talk about it welcome to the Horseshoe huddle podcast presented by fanation on si.com part of the fansir sports network my name is Andrew Moore and as always I’m joined here by my federal analyst and co-hosts here at Horseshoe huddle Drake wall Drake I can’t emphasize the enough of how nice it is not to be talking about a Jonathan Taylor contract dispute this summer I mean it it feels so nice not to have to talk about it not to have to go through daily weekly updates whatever they were and instead we can focus in on a Colts running back room that you know potentially could have a really good season yeah and you know it was it was I mean you really believed anything you know could happen you know with that jonath with the Jonathan Taylor trade Saga but now that’s behind him and you got him for a bargain because now you’re looking at Christian mcaffrey over here getting even more money for his services so um I I think that this is still a Jonathan Taylor L offense you know I don’t think it’s changed I mean Richardson’s only got four games as an NFL player okay it it is still about Jonathan Taylor now as far as the future of course it’s Anthony Richardson and surrounding him with weapons but in the here and now it’s all about JT and so I think that you know we’re going to break it down how he’s going to have a potential Big bounceback Year past couple Seasons quarterbacks scheme just the all-around feel of the team has been a little bit up and down at times especially in 2022 so I think that this is a great season for Jonathan Taylor it’s a golden opportunity everything is lined up for him to succeed along with you know the team and his his just explosive ability it could be a real big year for number 28 man yeah it really could so we’re gonna dive into that tonight but not just Jonathan Taylor we’re going to talk about the entire running back room tonight you know Zack boss no longer in a CTS uniform so can Trey Surman uh really solidify that running back two position and then what about the the pass catching role Evan Hall TR uh uh Tyler Goodson who steps up there plus we’re going to compare the Indianapolis Colts running back room to the rest of the AFC South and give our rankings uh for each running back room through out the division TR it with his nightly super sticker really appreciate all of your support as always and then TR says after this year JT still plays in 2025 correct yes Jonathan Taylor I don’t think uh would would just leave like that unless something tragic happens but yeah Jonathan Taylor will be in a Colts uniform uh for a very long time Jonathan uh Sean conwright is here as well uh good to see you uh DSG goodar says greetings and salutations and gives his his uh uh you know I I what’s the word imaginary $3 but good to see you bud uh we’ve got Denny does it we need another 2021 year out of Jonathan Taylor you know I don’t know if it’ll be as as uh you know 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns but I still think there’s a potential to get an all pro year and the man himself is finally back stats Matt good to see you buddy and I’m expecting some really good stat mat stats of the day uh today so as we get started remember go follow us on all of our socials like hesho huddle on Facebook follow Colts on FN onx And subscribe to the Horseshoe huddle YouTube channel hit that Bell so you know when Drake and I go live every Monday and Thursday night throughout the off season so you never miss us and if you can’t catch us live or on YouTube Apple Spotify Google wherever you listen to podcast we’re on there as well so make sure you subscribe give us a festar review so we can reach other Colts fans just like you so Drake let’s dive right into it we’re talking about the running back position for the Indianapolis Colts today and obviously we have to start with number 28 Jonathan Taylor you know you look at it last year obviously dealing with the ankle injury you know started the season on pup had all the contract disputes and then finally once the contract was out of the way with Jonathan Taylor comes back that first game back was only able to play two snaps with Anthony Richardson before went down with for the season so we weren’t able to see those two together uh but then you know Jonathan Taylor starts getting on a roll starts getting things going again then has to have the thumb injury and it’s kept out for for a few weeks uh but then you know finishes the season strong and in that last week against the Houston Texans ran for almost 200 yards and was injured in that game came back almost ran for 200 yards uh and had a really long touchdown as well so you know it seem seemed like Jonathan Taylor towards the end of the season Once he was finally healthy was back on the come up you know and then having that offensive line in front of him uh we really saw a lot of flashes of the Jonathan Taylor from 2021 and you know if I think the goal obviously is you want to have Jonathan Taylor the 2021 version or or something close to it in 2024 yeah back to kind of what we were talking about earlier one of the reasons you might not see his 2021 numbers is because that dude was basically the offense I mean everything ran through him the you know I personally thought he he got the ball a little too much because they still didn’t I mean looking back they didn’t even make the playoffs still I mean the guy put in a Herculean MVP like season led the league in rushing yards yard yards from scrimmage touchdowns on the ground overall touchdowns I mean yards rushed per game I mean the guy just destroyed pretty much everybody he played but he also got like he also L the league in carries so he had a lot of wear and tear that season um but yeah I I think it’s all right in front of Jonathan Taylor we saw like you said you saw it last season when the game was on the line nonetheless this dude pretty much carried the team meni was kind of ho hum in that game you know and even to the last pass with a guy we’ll talk about later Tyler gson it was behind the dude so like really Taylor was who set the tone in that game he delivered what you were hoping was a knockout with that real long run kind of brought back the 2021 against the Patriots Vibes um there’s there’s just a lot that was rolling and then like you said the thumb injury all that momentum halt okay then you get Tyler Goodson and Trey Surman leading the charge against a team like the Steelers okay so even Taylor couldn’t get away from the injuries so I I think that everything’s just lined up for him man the offensive line is resurgent he’s got a mobile mobile as hell QB he’s got receivers that can push a defense every option you’ve got the the underneath the middle the Deep guys and you’ve also got a guy like Shane styken man who will run that RPO system and he’s gonna open up opportunities for Jonathan Taylor as well so this might be the most talented team uh dare I say it that we’ve seen Jonathan Taylor ever play with I mean even Rivers couldn’t move Ryan couldn’t move Wentz was post ACL tear Carson Wentz not the athlete you saw before you know muu probably the most mobile dude this guy’s played with that’s incredible to think about so put him with a guy like Richardson and a guy like Sten call and plays I just think that the the sky is truly the limit guy also just has to stay healthy that’s probably the biggest one yeah exactly and I wantan to Stats Matt has already put his stats out there and I kind of want to break down these a little bit uh to go you know against because obviously the title of the episode is Jonathan Taylor’s Poise for an all pro season in 2024 and Drake and I really believe that so let’s break down some of these stats and and kind of talk about it because when you look at some of these they’re a little bit eye openening the first one by stats Matt only one season of uh of Shane Sten as an offensive coordinator or head coach has a running back broke 1,000 yards or 200 attempts and that was in 20122 with Miles Sanders so it’s very interesting to think about it doesn’t Shane Sten has never had uh the kind of running I think you can look at this two ways you know Shane sten’s never had uh the the caliber a running back of a Jonathan Taylor fully healthy for the entire season uh you know uh because when you look at it last season Jonathan Taylor had 169 attempts was only available in 10 in 10 games uh but 169 carries for 741 yards seven touchdowns however if Jonathan Taylor has his normal workload uh you look at Zach Moss last season Zach Moss had 183 uh rushing attempts or or carries for 794 yards and five touchdowns so if you think about it the majority of those carries that Zach boss had last season if Jonathan Taylor was healthy they would have gone to Jonathan Taylor so you’re you’re probably looking at at a guy that had you know close to 300 carries a season ago if Taylor is healthy on top all that you know you’re probably looking at a guy that had, 1300 yards and you know 11 to 12 touchdowns I think that’s that’s if if Jonathan Taylor is healthy that’s probably what you see out of out of the out of number 28 and then Shane Sten obviously he’d have a guy that’s over a thousand well over a thousand yards well over 200 attempts I think what what what J what stats Matt is saying here is that Sten really has never had the caliber of running back of Jonathan Taylor and the bell cowb of Jonathan Taylor it’s always been a running back by committee or had you know injuries like last season where Jonathan Taylor wasn’t at his at wasn’t 100% wasn’t able to to do what were used to JT doing in a Colts uniform yeah and you know you I think that he would have had Austin Eckler I think that would have been probably been the the running back he had when he was offensive coordinator for the Chargers or or maybe either that or it would have been right right at the start of his career but then Melvin Melvin Gordon maybe that’s right that’s right possibly um but really the big one that shows the impact of Shane Steen on a running back is my sanders okay he goes obviously Carolina just a mess right but still the guy was phased out so fast chuba hubard took over that back field no problem okay I mean once you take away the offensive protection and an elite level line like the eagles had in that mind at at at play caller you know it really limits what you can do and and now you’re talking about a guy like Jonathan Taylor I’m right there with stats Matt I think that the numbers just show that especially last season he was Trucking at times I mean he was really rolling and even in that Browns game him and Moss both I think split 18 freaking carries so I mean he’s want he wants to run the freaking ball all right he really wants to use Taylor so I’m amped to see what he’s gonna do with definitely the most talented running back he’s ever had shout out to DSG Goodbar coming back my autoc correct hates me and wanted to Super Chat thank you so much for all of your support buddy that’s awesome really do appreciate it love the hey I was just giving you a hard time earlier you didn’t need to Super Chat unless you really wanted to buddy but appreciate the hell out of you and and all of you the support that you’ve given Drake and I uh you know you’re from almost every single episode you’re you’ve appeared so really really appreciate it let’s talk about this other one from stats Matt uh 2023 Jonathan Taylor averaged 4.4 yards per carry his worst of his career stens running back one in 20 20 2021 and 2022 have averaged over five yards per carry so you know again at a normal season that’s that’s Jonathan Taylor is up there and over five yards per carry because you look at 2020 2020 as a rookie Jonathan Taylor 5.0 yards per carry 2021 5.5 yards per carry 2022 when the Colts offensive line was having all those issues with the offense was a mess 4.5 five yards per carry and then last year dealing with the injuries dealing with the contract issues and and everything everything was all out of sorts 4.4 yards per carry so you know I guess you can look at it both ways you can look at it as it’s not a good Trend that Jonathan Taylor the past two years has been under five yards per carry and it’s go it’s going and it’s going down Drake but on the other hand you can also look at those you can look a little bit deeper and see 2022 is an absolute mess it’s really hard to judge off that year then last year with the injuries the distractions and and I don’t care what anyone says those contract issues were a distraction for Jonathan Taylor uh and wasn’t able to get his offseason work because of the ankle injury either so if you take that all out of the equation you you see what Jonathan Taylor who’s had a healthy off season has had no issues he’s going to be ready for TR go in there for training camp and and and for this season barring any injuries then you know you’re going to have a 100% % Jonathan Taylor ready to attack and another year behind this offensive line an offensive line that was much improved in 2023 I think Jonathan Taylor goes right back to averaging over five yards per carry yeah and you’re also looking at those respective seasons and I I love the fact that um Matt brought those up stats Matt brought those up because 2020 you’ve got I think you had Justin Herbert the whole year and he I believe was the Rookie of the Year if I’m not mistaken and the dude just absolutely lit up everyone so you have a defense that has to account for that guy and you got to account for the quarterback then you get Jaylen herdz okay you definitely maybe even more so because of his athletic ability and his arm just being able to launch it down the field the way he can you have to probably account for him even more than Herbert and and you’re talking about a lot of weapons that Herbert had you’re talking about plenty of weapons with the Eagles so I think that factors into that average being a little higher um because then you go back to the running backs not as good as Taylor you know but they had a a higher average so but then again the injuries I think limited him and I love the fact that you brought up just the the disasters because 2020 you got constant change and then 2023 you have your injuries coming off of all these contract negotiations and you were you know supposed to be with Richardson now you got menu so I think that you just like everybody else on this offense that we’ve said right Andrew you need consistency they’re going to get it okay you need good quarterback play they’re hopefully going to get it and you need multiple elements to attack a defense and they’ve got that now so I just think that Taylor has a bigger opportunity to really shine than maybe he ever has and I just don’t think that people should expect those 2021 numbers if for no other reason then he’s not going to get the usage that he had and I don’t think that’s a bad thing necessarily you know because you you want your your star running back healthy and and feeling fresh I wouldn’t say fresh but I would say fresh her than normal uh uh than than what normal running backs feel you want to just be able to keep his legs underneath him into December and into January when when you’re going to need Jonathan Taylor at his best and this is kind of interesting too the third stats mat stat of the day Jonathan Taylor’s week 18 Again week 18 game against the Houston Texans was his seventh best game in the last three seasons in terms of yards per carry but also his third heaviest workload so I think you can gleam a lot from that you know obviously Jonathan Taylor was on a was on a tear against the Houston Texans uh but to have his his you know seventh best game in terms of yards per carry while also having his third heaviest workload you know that showed that Jonathan Taylor really didn’t slow down throughout that game you know he was able yes he did have the really long touchdown run which certainly boosted his yards per carry average but if you remember in that game you know especially before before Taylor got hurt he was gashing the Texans for for you know chunk yardage on on a lot of on most carries you know so I I think again that’s that’s good you want Jonathan Taylor was starting to get back into that Rhythm that I think a lot of people don’t understand how crucial that is for a running back running backs you know they’re you think you can just plug and play and that that can be can be the case but for running backs like Jonathan Taylor who it just seems like as the game goes along he gets stronger and stronger and stronger getting into that Rhythm is a huge Factor you know and as well as you know continuing that continuity with the offensive line just knowing where those block guys are going to be blocking in front of him and and him being able to read the the holes that are going to open up there I think that’s really crucial so the that’s why the more you see Jonathan Taylor and you know this is kind of what happened in 20 you know as the season went along Taylor got better and better 2021 he got better and better as the season went along and by midseason you know he could he was Unstoppable in 2021 kind of the same thing in in 2023 just takes him a little bit to takes him a couple of games to get going and then once he does he’s hard to stop yeah and I I know that that last game was obviously a spectacle 30 carries 188 rushing yards and you know over six yards a carry but in his last five games games of the Season he had 107 attempts 487 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns he averaged 21 carries a game 97 yards a game and 1.2 touchdowns a game I mean like we were talking about this dude three of those games he had over 20 carries all right and I mean he was starting to really churn defenses and he’s a he is a volume based performer you got to give him the ball I mean you got to keep giving him the ball too so I I think that all of that really started to show last season and unfortunately it just didn’t all pan out to where you could see it maybe continue into the playoffs who knows what they could have done you know in the playoffs even withman sh still playing just with all the momentum Taylor had coming off that monster game against the Texans so again man the sky’s the limit you got to get excited about Jonathan Taylor with all these elements he finally gets to play with I think it’s the most talented team he’s ever seen Andrew I really do I I think that they’ve surrounded him with just the perfect amount of veteran young Talent uh com combined with just a lot of explosive ability here with the quarterback and guys like ad Mitchell and a you know Pierce and Pitman and all that so um I’m pretty excited for Jonathan Taylor and if these last five games have any indication on what he could do with a guy like mchu really gets even more pumped for what he can do with a guy like Richardson under Center well and that’s what DSG goodar is saying as well you know also JT will probably see the most openings he’s ever seen Anthony Richardson the weapons and better offensive line play will give JT all sorts of room to run and we really haven’t talked about it much we did an entire episode on the the Anthony Richardson Jonathan Taylor connection and them playing together and and what that might look like not only for those two but for the offense as a whole so that’s why I don’t think we’re really going to get into that tonight but if you want to go check that episode out Drake and I spent an entire hour talking about that definitely check that out but but I agree you know I I think that it’s it’s it’s it’s really going to open things up and and obviously do I think that it’s going to you know are we going to see a huge jump just because Anthony Richardson is there with Jonathan Taylor I wouldn’t necessarily see say like instead of 1300 yards Jonathan Taylor gets 1900 yards just because of Anthony Richardson no but I think what what comes into all this is when you have Anthony Richardson in the backfield and those linebackers have to you know have to wait just a half second longer to see is Anthony Richardson running the ball or is Jonathan Taylor running the ball you know we saw it with Zach Moss last year that that it he would maybe take those carries and it would get an extra you know three four five yards when when Zach Moss was in there with Richardson but when you have the caliber of running back like Jonathan Taylor those three four five yard gains turn in or three four five extra yards turn into seven eight n extra yards so and over the course of a season those add up and those those that big play potential also increases with Jonathan Taylor in there as well so so Drake to kind of finish talking about JT here what what are your expectations for Jonathan Taylor in 2024 do you think we’re going to see I know you said here you’re really excited about it but but I and you also said we’re not probably going to see the the stats of a 2021 Jonathan Taylor but what are your EXP expectations for Taylor and and his impact for this Colts offense I I think uh I think when you talk about not having the same numbers you’re still going to see in my opinion let’s just go with 17 games played 16 17 games played you’re still going to see 285 290 carries I or 260 275 something between like 260 and 300 I think I I think you’re still going to see a lot of work from the guy probably the most catches he’s ever seen you know in in a season and he’s only had 40 to top his career you know for a year so that’s not hard to beat but you’re still going to see him even if he doesn’t hit 40 he’ll have like between 35 36 something like that um but it’s going to be the efficiency man he’s really gonna tear into defenses with bigger chunk plays kind of like you saw against the Texans because you’ve got so much happening now again going back to what he can do with the you know Sten can do with the receivers you got Downs underneath you’ve got potentially ad Mitchells the all around guy you got Pierce who can attack you deep and then you have Pitman who’s the ultimate possession you know physicality type of receiver you got all these tight ends you can employ or deploy out there into sets you’ve got Richardson’s abilities throwing the ball deep running with his own feet and just the system that’s probably the biggest thing man is the RPO going back to Zach Moss okay guys to give you an idea Jonathan Taylor was an athletic freak coming out of college Zach Moss was the opposite it coming out of college not athletic At All by the by the measurements dude ran a 46540 he had a 2.78 second 20 yard split and a 1.67 10 yard split none of those are good none of those are good numbers but yet he busted off I think the longest run of his entire career against the Titans by outrunning people okay that’s just not what Zach Moss does it’s because Richardson’s Dynamic ability has to be accounted for okay now put instead of moss put Taylor into that spot dear God are you kidding that touchdown only difference is it happens way quicker so I mean it’s it’s really intriguing I’m pumped I think that I think that you’re still G to see a hell of a year probably at least 1,200 rushing yards 1300 rushing yards probably like eight or nine touchdowns just because Richardson’s going to take away some of those rushing scores um and again I think you’re going to see some solid receiving work but don’t expect Taylor to go out there and just catch 60 70 passes that’s not his thing he’s just not a receiving back and there’s too many guys on the roster in the same position group that can do that better than him but yeah people get ready for a bounceback season I think fantasy owners will be really pumped and so will Colts fans as well I I I’m expecting big things out of Jonathan Taylor this season I think the Colts are too you know not only as as Chris Ballard mentioned it once but it seems like every time Jonathan Taylor talk or I’m sorry it seems like every time Chris Ballard talks about Jonathan Taylor this off season every time he says you know we’re expecting huge things from Taylor we think he is going to be big time again this season and I think that’s what’s going to happen you know do I expect 1,00 yards probably not nor do I think he should be have that amount of work low because the offense doesn’t have to be solely on the shoulders of Jonathan Taylor like it was in 2021 you know you have Anthony Richardson you have probably the most the the deepest and you know most talented wide receiver room that the Colts have had since Chris Balor became the general manager you know Michael Pitman another year potentially a probable season out of Michael Pitman is ahead Josh DS takes the step you bring in ad Nia Mitchell who who could certainly make this passing offense much more Dynamic Alec Pierce looks like he’s motivated to kind of shut up some critics so it doesn’t have to be all on Jonathan Taylor but again that’ll keep him fresh that’ll allow him to to you know stay healthy turn those smaller those 10 yard gains into 30 40 yard gains just massive explosive plays so yes I do think that that the stars are aligning in a way and that that the situation is very you know very nice for Jonathan Taylor to go out there and and become an all pro again you know I serious I do think that do I think it’s going to be the MVP conversation probably not but you know I wouldn’t wouldn’t shock me at all to see 13400 yards out of Jonathan Taylor 10 12 touchdowns you know and we’re talking about him being you know not just Colts fans that watch him but the national media the the the national narrative around Jonathan Taylor is you know top three running back in the NFL like he’s paid so those are my expectations from Jonathan Taylor again I think the situation for the Colts and what is around him is perfect not to mention another year with this offensive line together growing and and and and and continuing to to get better under Tony Spano Jr’s tutelage you know Jonathan Taylor has it made first year of that $42 million contract he wants to go out there and show that that he’s worth it and and that the Colts didn’t make a mistake uh by giving him this deal and I think when we’re looking back at the 2024 season we’re going to say that Jonathan Taylor was worth every single penny now let’s talk about what’s behind Jonathan Taylor Drake and we already mentioned it Zach Moss no longer here so it looks like it’s going to be Trey Surman as of right now as that number two running back and Wyatt law comes in here saying I’ll go on record to say Trey Surman will thrive in a number two role this year and play at a very Zach Moss level Wyatt law given very high expectations to Trey Surman because as I mentioned earlier Zach Moss as a running back to and you know at deao starter last year because Taylor was out 794 yards F five rushing touchdowns and then when you look at his receiving numbers as well he had 27 catches for 192 yards and two receiving scores as well so so Drake when we’re talking about Trey Surman what do you think about about number 27 uh showed some promise last year I think in in a very limited role but if he’s going to be that number two guy he’s going to be expected to go out there when Jonathan Taylor needs a break and still produce at a very high level I I think man I I saw I saw enough of Trey Surman also in the Raiders game you know um he’s got pop he really does I I I think that he’s got overlooked like just one cut ability at times like the guy has some deceptive speed but he also is still more of that I would take him more as like a power power back because he’s like 6 foot like 210 dude is dude’s a a pretty pretty thick guy as far as a running back but I will say I think he has the best chance to succeed because of Shane styken I really do I think that that’s why they brought him over to the Colts is because styken had him with the Eagles and he was like Hey you know this this could be a nice fit and and what do you know he had 35 carries 160 rushing yards um looks like you know he had three catches for 13 receiving yards so nothing extraordinary but you’re also talking about a guy that was taken in the third round by the 49ers and flopped I mean they wanted big things out of Trey Surman and he flopped and then he goes to the Eagles and he can’t make it and now he’s with the Colts and he’s approaching that second year first time he’s ever had year two with the same team so I think he’s finally finding that consistency and again kind of similar to Taylor man you’re GNA have situations where there’s multiple guys on the field because Richardson’s going to Warrant siken needing to use like a multi-head attack where you’ve got two running backs on the field with Richardson he’s going to be one of those guys you know so you’re going to see obviously Taylor’s going to take the bulk of the carries but Trey sur’s gonna get some opportunities and he’s gonna get him with the most athletic quarterback that he’s ever played with I think the biggest thing for Trey Surman is is you know don’t put don’t put a a lot of pressure on yourself just go out there and do your job you know you don’t have to be the star running back Zach Moss admittedly for a a backup running back or a running back two he overachieved achieved last season and that is why Zach Moss is now the starting running back for the Cincinnati Bengals because he played like a starter the the the the Colts aren’t gonna ask Trey Surman to play like a starter unless Jonathan Taylor gets injured now that that’s a whole different conversation but when you look back to last season Drake you know when Jonathan Taylor was back and healthy Zach Moss’s role diminished to to almost nothing that’s probably what we’re going to see this year is Jonathan Taylor when healthy there’s a reason you’re paying this guy $14 million a year he is your Bell cow back he is going to be out there on almost every single play sure if he needs to take a a couple plays off to to kind of rest or or you know just catch his breath a little bit then yeah Trey Surman will go in there but as far as like you know snap counts or or carries it’s not going to be a split of 1515 you’re probably looking at Jonathan Taylor getting about 20 carries a game and and you’re looking at you know Trey Surman getting getting maybe five to six if that so Jonathan Taylor is the Bell out Trey Surman just needs to be ready when his number is called go out there don’t put the team in bad situations and I what I mean by that is Trey Surman in his career has had some ball security issues and that’s why he wasn’t able to stay with the San Francisco 49ers or the Philadelphia Eagles Trey Surman needs to make sure that he’s not fumbling the football he’s not turning the football over when he’s when his number is called you know whether it is as a runner as a pass blocker as well because she this is that’s a very underrated part of all this too is that Trey Surman is not just going to be in there on on running place he’s going to have to protect Anthony Richardson as well so make sure that that isn’t something that you’re that you’re you know liable for or or something that is is a weakness in your game that when you do have your opportunity all of a sudden you get blown past by a Defender and and Anthony Richardson ends up on his back so tracerman just needs to go out there and do his job and a stats Matt another stat last two games of the season last year Moss had 28% and 177% snap share that’s probably what you’re looking at and for for Trey Surman to for next year as that running back to it’s not a big it’s not going to be a big role when you have Jonathan Taylor as the lead back however when your number is called you have to go out there make sure you aren’t costing this team anything you’re going out there you’re doing your job you’re just getting the necessary yardage you’re not going out there looking to try to break a big run just do your job and I think if as long as Trey Sturman does that and focuses in on the little things instead of trying to be Superman then I think he’s going to be a really nice fit as the as the backup running back or the running back to in the Shane Sten offense yeah and we we saw most of his carries come when he was you know playing with with Goodson against the Steelers was 17 in a game and then you saw him with like three carries against the Bengals and two against the Falcons and five against the Raiders so that’s what you’re probably going to see honestly and um I I think that it’s it’s pretty confident to you know we can be confident in saying that because you’ve got three running backs again you’ve kind of got you know Taylor then Hall maybe you know Hall then serman and then you kind of have Goodson in the mix there too so I think that he’s a really good role player you know if he can just hold on to the football because like you said there was promise there there’s a reason that he was selected in the third round and why the the 49ers pretty much put him on the field right away it’s just when you put the ball on the field twice that’s when they immediately start going wow uh you’re going to have the ball a lot you can’t hold on to it she’s going to push offens in Jeopardy way too much so last season he did what he was supposed to do so if he just continues to do that Andrew I think that there could be a good chance that maybe he carves out a role in this team yeah I I agree and and if if things stay as they are certainly leaving mandatory mini camp Trey Surman was the running back too and it was it was pretty clear that he was the running back too as well but you mentioned to kind of end your your your your thought there Drake you know Evan Hall and Tyler Goodson those are the other two running backs that are kind of sitting there in the wings but both those guys you know are primarily pass catching backs they can certainly run the football you know we see we saw Evan Hull do that at Northwestern Tyler Goodson had a really good game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season but they’re primarily those pass catching running backs so in the end who do you think ends up winning that that that whether it’s a third down back or that pass catching roll uh for for the Colts do you think it’s going to be Evan Hall who we had a lot of we thought had a lot of high hopes for last year before he got hurt or Tyler Goodson who who showed it last season ended last season on a on a pretty sour note but is obviously looking for Redemption this season in 2024 yeah you know we’ll start with Goodson I I think that siken had confidence in him obviously I mean he put the the game winning potential game-winning player game you know situation uh the whole season on on him so I mean yes they trust Tyler Goodson and I liked what I saw at times I mean the guy’s got speed he’s got one once you give Tyler Goodson you saw it especially in that Steelers game you give him a lane he can make you pay for it he’s got good speed he’s like about 5 foot n 510 um so he’s a little bit of that smaller back but so is Evan Hall I guess just because he’s a receiving back Evan Hall people he’s still like 5 foot 11 and like or or six foot and he’s like 20205 and he’s he’s a receiving back so if we’re talking about proven Goodson has the edge right now okay but if we’re talking about what they have planned oh they I’m not trying to be selfish here like you know throw Goodson down but the Colts definitely want Evan Hall to to elevate over Tyler Tyler Goodson I mean because you’re talking about a guy who blocks very well for a guy that’s supposed to be receiving back look at this dude’s tape in college he’s putting guys on their asses okay I mean he will put the lumber on you if you’re coming at his quarterback so one he pass Blocks he’s an incredible receiver but he also is a downhill Runner I mean he’s pretty much like a nice blend of everything with a little bit more upside receiving so I think if he can stay healthy they’re gonna they’re gonna try to go with Hall I think he would just need to really have a bad showing to where the Colts don’t think maybe they he he you know if he ends up being like Nick cross okay still not ready let’s dial it back bit and let’s let Tyler Goodson kind of su you know overshoot you maybe he goes to practice squad I don’t know but I’m high on Evan Hall I think that with everything that he possesses as far as a you know the skills of a running back I think it just screams Shane styken and I think he has just too many you know tangibles like pass blocking that are important for a running back to have to not be the preferred option over Tyler Goodson when we were talking about Evan Hall last year even before the NFL draft you know talked about him being the best pass catching back in the 2023 draft class and that’s what the Colts brought him in here to be that pass catching option so and when we we saw him multiple times in training camp show that not only through the air like as a as a receiver but on the ground as well we saw Evan Hall be able to maneuver in between the in between the tackles and and break some really decent runs enough that you know we thought Evan Hall could push Zack Moss for that running back to we even we even talked about it a little bit last SE last year early in training camp and then obviously game one you know H I think played one or two snaps herz’s knee done his his rookie year is is is wasted you know now coming back this season he has a chance to to you know redeem himself and go out there and prove that what the Colts brought him in here to be that pass catching third down running back he can do that you know and throughout all the offseason program throughout mandatory mini camp Evan Hall was winning that battle when Jonathan Taylor missed those those couple of days dealing with the personal issues Evan Hall was the the running back that went after Trey Surman so again as of right now I think you can kind of pencil in Evan Hull as that running back three then it kind of becomes a numbers game Drake because in my opinion I don’t think that I don’t know if the Colts are going to keep more than three running backs you know Jonathan Taylor TR serin TR Surman and EV Evan Hall might be it you know because if they want to keep six wide receivers and or or F four or five tight ends it’s G to end up being a numbers game and if Evan Hall can do everything that Tyler Goodson can do I think you could you know you can sneak Tyler Goodson onto the practice squad and keep him there just in case you know and and so that that might be a decision that the Colts might have to make and as long as Evan Hall doesn’t implode or or has a really really rough time in the preseason and and in training camp with you know drops or or fumbles I think Evan Hall is going to be that third down pass catching running back for the Colts and then you mentioned a very good pass protector as well which is huge and that’s going to have a heavy emphasis this year for that running back position because Anthony Richardson is back there so in my opinion I think it’s Evan Hall’s job to lose and I’m I’m just as excited out of any of these running backs I’m as excited to to see what Evan Hall can bring to this offense because I think he’s a he’s definitely unique in what he brings to this offense especially when comparing it to Jonathan Taylor and Trey Surman yeah and it’s again you you have to account for the situation this guy is in and and he is the best receiving back by tape okay we’re talking about proof he is the best receiving back on the Colts right now okay so you’re talking about rpos you’re talking about implementation of multiple running backs in the back field with Richardson and just so much going on yeah it’s gonna massively impact a guy like Jonathan Taylor but even the other guys on the depth chart behind him like Evan Hall I mean we still have to see what this guy’s gonna do of course right because we only got like like you said two or three snaps so little too soon to call this guy an absolute badass yet but look we still have to kind of go with the draft prospect we were covering last year and when he was picked all you had to do was start looking into this guy at first you’re like wait who why do you need a running back you start looking into his tape got you pretty excited pretty damn fast yeah I was excited about Evan Hall last season I’m excited about him this season as well so now it’s time to look at the rest of the division let’s look at the rest of the AFC sou just like how we did uh uh last week with the quarterback position let’s look at the running back position through the AFC South and really determine you know where the Colts stack up against their division Rivals so obviously for the Colts the top three as of now is Jonathan Taylor treace zurman and Evan Hall when you go over to the defending Champion Texans uh there’s no more you know Devin single ter uh Joe Mixon who Zach Moss is replacing in Cincinnati Joe Mixon is now a member of the Houston Texans will take over that LE lead running back role along with Damen Pierce who I thought showed some promise uh as a rookie didn’t have the best season last year uh and then to kind of round out the group is D uale uale that’s another hard name or oon Bal o boun b there we go I’ll get it eventually uh but then let’s go to the Jaguars because I think the Jaguars potentially have one of the most electric running back rooms in the entire league with Travis eten to Ernest Johnson and then tank BBY especially tank bsby that’s a guy that is on on kick returns I think he’s gonna be huge this year for the Jacksonville Jaguars and then down in Tennessee no more Derk Henry Derrik Henry has moved on he is with the Baltimore Ravens and enter Tony Pard from the Dallas Cowboys Pard assumes that running back one rooll with taji Spears uh the the you know was a rookie last season and and showed some some spark for this Titans uh offense and then Hassan H Haskins kind of rounds out the group for the Tennessee Titans so Drake what are your initial thoughts when looking throughout the AFC South at the other running back rooms that the Colts defense is going to have to face this season I mean right away you look at the Texans look man I know Joe Mixon he was you know in an offense with Joe burrow and T Higgins Jamar Chase and whatever the guy still has ability and he’s better than Devon single Terry in my opinion okay so I I I think that they’re upgrading actually at running back Damen Pierce though pushed for 2022 Rookie of the Year people I mean he actually had a really good year considering how crappy the Texans were and then he just fell off last season so um and then aumb has just been kind of like that plug-and-play guy he’s played a little bit of I think fullback even so he’s more of that guy that you turn to if you need just some extra Pop I think or maybe a lead Blocker in a short yard situation um all actually cover the Jags last the Titans are interesting because H Haskins he’s I don’t even think he played last season or had any sort of uh game experience but he’s more of like just a a short yardage guy he’s like 220 230 pounds so but Tony Pard and Tai Spears that’s an interesting that’s an interesting like tandem I I think that Tony Pard has electric ability I think that Tai Spears is very intriguing don’t sleep on those two I know that the Titans right now have old guys by NFL standards playing receiver and Levis is unproven but they’re going to lean a lot on those two I can assure you Brian Callahan’s got a lot planned for Tai Spears and Tony Pard and then of course Travis ettien man what can’t you say about this guy he’s phenomenal you know he’s he’s one of the best running backs one of the best offensive weapons guys in the entire league dearis Johnson when he filled in in Cleveland looked fantastic when he was given the ball a lot uh and tank bsby still has to grow I think as a player talking about a guy who averaged like two and a half yards a carry he’s third on the depth chart right now he they had him as a guy they wanted to pair with ettien and it didn’t work the way they wanted so I think that he’s gonna have to climb a little bit but I think all these rooms look good man I I really do and each room’s lead horse um maybe outside of Tony Pard because Tai Spears could they could split carries but each guy’s number one man they’re they’re good they’re at least good good to fantastic so stats Matt says it’s a pretty good division for running backs just wait till we talk about wide receivers on on Thursday that that graphic is going to be uh pretty pretty scary to look at uh but yeah Drake I think at when you’re looking at the top guys you know Jonathan Taylor Joe Mixon Travis etn Tony Pard all very good running backs you know I think every single one of them I I’m not sure Travis etn may not I’ll have to check that but I I know for a fact that Taylor Mixon and and Pard all have Pro bowls to their name uh and and no it doesn’t look like etn uh was was a pro bowler last season but you know the other three are are former pro bowlers so and Jonathan Taylor obviously uh that huge season where he was an allpro I don’t think Joe Mixon has ever been an allpro or Tony Pard so if I’m the best running back in the division I’m probably leaning Jonathan Taylor and and and maybe not even lean I think it is Jonathan Taylor by by a wide stretch of the imagination I don’t think any of these guys I think maybe Tony Pard I know you know I want to say maybe Tony par what was close to being a top 10 back I think one Pro Bowl One Pro Bowl I think Travis etn you know another season like he had last season I think you could talk about etn being a top 10 Ronnie back or close to it Jonathan Taylor is a top five running back probably a top three running back so when you’re looking at the top there those top guys I think it’s Jonathan Taylor then when you look at you know looking at the kind of the depth pieces behind there that’s when I think it gets really interesting because Taj Spears like you mentioned Drake wouldn’t surprise me to see a you know a backfield where Tony Pard and Taj Spears really split carries y you know uh with the Texans obviously Joe Mixon has has proven to be a very good running back in the NFL but again father time is undefeated and certainly catches up to the running backs uh at a at a quicker rate than than most so Joe Mixon is is kind of teetering on the The Edge uh uh probably towards the end of the where he his career where he’s going to be a you know a huge threat uh because I think if if I think Joe Mixon is going to be 28 years old before the start of the 2024 season so not necessarily that 30-year-old Mark yet but he’s got quite a bit quite a bit of tread on those tires and you know we’ll have to see if Damen Pierce can can really bounce back and then obviously tracerman Evan hall for the Colts they’re they’re a little bit you know they’re a little bit of an unknown so when you look at this it is a it is a solid running back group especially at the top but I think outside of taji Spears probably there’s just a lot of unknown with these with this backup group you know and these these guys that are going to have depth roles in the running back rooms but hey you know Evan Hall could be a fantastic uh uh receiving back for the Colts Damen Pierce could recapture some of that magic that he had uh uh back in in 2022 so very interesting Dynamic when when you start going through the these depth charts because you’re you’re fa comfortable with what’s at the top and then there’s just a lot of question marks and a lot of you know these guys could be really good or they could disappoint in 2024 yeah and each one has a different style of quarterback that’s leading the charge I mean you know you got the Titans true with the with the Gunslinger the guy that stands in the pocket and takes the shots like Levis and then you got the polished Prospect who can you know hit accurate who’s an accurate passer like Lawrence which look guys I know that the number are one thing iy also played injured last season me and Andrew on this channel until proven otherwise we respect the hell out of Trevor Lawrence I mean so he he is he elevates that offense and he’s pretty much the most proven guy actually right now um in the division and then you have a guy that’s potentially going to be an MVP candidate now according to all the the sports books like CJ strad who’s the young prospect that you know came out of college and looked fantastic and then you have the Dynamic Athlete with the Canon arm like Anthony Richardson they can hit you so many different ways and you know devastating fashion so each running back you almost now have to with the unknowns Behind These starters man you got to look at who’s the field General then you know we don’t have time but then you got to look into who who’s calling the plays like because there’s so much unknown Behind These Guys and it is a committee League now where you don’t have a guy that’s carrying the ball 25 30 times a game anymore it’s not like that so I I I agree man outside of Taj Spears it’s really difficult to like judge these running back rooms but if we are talking about the starters you can’t look away from Jonathan Taylor being the number one guy because he’s got a pro bowl just like Mixon and just like Pard but he also has an all pro season where he could have been an MVP candidate yeah I agree so let’s rank him Drake where do you see where do you rank these running back rooms so from from 1 to four go ahead and give me your AFC South running back rankings man I I I just have to go off of like just we’ll just remove everything else around him um I’m going to go with the Jaguars as as number one and the only reason I say that is because de de Johnson I have actually seen enough of him where I think that yeah I think Doug Peterson Trevor Lawrence the things that they’re doing in Jacksonville I think it’s trending in the right direction for the for the ground game too I think that that’s a pretty deadly uh combo right there actually I mean we’ll see but um I think that right behind him is the Colts though uh actually because I am not high on Damen Pierce at all I I think Damen Pierce is just I think he’s a bust I think there’s a reason they brought in Joe Mixon um there might even be a chance that Ogen B pushes him I mean he’s just he he’s stuck in mud a lot when he runs so I think that Trey Surman I think he’s ready to take the next step to be an rb2 I like that you have him in front of hole because I think that’s how the death chart’s gonna pan out you’re gonna have Goodson on the practice squad and then Evan Hall it’s intriguing right if he is healthy and he does hit a smidge of what they hope you’ve got yourself a fine piece to put back there in the running back committee and then the Titans I just think that it’s because Tony Pard I mean he kind of fell off a cliff and the Cowboys out of nowhere were like Whoa We don’t want that guy you know um so I think that maybe there’s some regression there and maybe Tai Spears becomes the guy that’s actually G to get more carries which I honestly wouldn’t be surprised I really wouldn’t I think they got big plans for taji Spears and they had him with Henry last season um but I think that they’re just last because has Haskins is not a very good running back at all in fact he probably has the outside of Hull yeah outside the hall I mean bsby was not very good last season but H Haskins really doesn’t have much either to offer as a as a running back maybe even doesn’t make the depth chart who knows so um but I think it goes Jaguars Colts Texans and and Titans we’ll see if Joe Mixon hits any regression he’s still playing pretty well but those are my rankings that was not easy it’s not and I I love this because my rankings we don’t have a single team in the same spot I love it I’m going with the Indianapolis Colts as having the best running back room in the AFC South and and I go back to it you know I talked about Jonathan Taylor being a top you know five top three running back in the NFL I don’t think any of these other top running backs get are are close you know I I don’t think that that we currently have another top 10 running back in the NFL on the Rost uh on this graphic besides Jonathan Taylor and you know of course we’re all assume we’re assuming all these guys stay healthy you know because we’re not taking injuries into account here but when you look at that and you look at that Jonathan Taylor is going to take you know 80% of the carries for the Indianapolis Colts I think that that helps you know it doesn’t you know you’re not taking the the Trey sermons that Halls they’re not having such big roles because joh Jonathan Taylor that’s what he is doing so I think the Colts uh you know by far in a way have the best running back room in the AFC South then I’m going to go with the Jacksonville Jaguars because I do agree with you Drake I think out of the remaining running backs I think Travis etn is the most dynamic uh and I think he has the the most breakout potential uh uh to be a top 10 running back in the NFL and have an impact we saw Travis etn really really hurt the Colts last season and and I think he’s just going to continue to improve another year in that in that offense with Trevor Lawrence and and Doug Peterson we’ll have to see I I still think that tank uh bsby can can grow into his Zone and be more more electric compliment to Travis etn so I’m gonna have the Jaguars at two then I’m gonna have the Titans because I’m I’m pretty high on taj Spears I really am saw him and what he was able to do at the Senior Bowl uh thought he he did a a very good job last season in the role that was given to him even though Derrick Henry kind of dominated uh uh the carries and everything there it will be more split with Tony par Taj Spears uh I think a change of scenery is definitely a good thing for Tony Pard I don’t think being the the sole running back one is what was good for Tony Pard you know Tony Pard seemed to thrive with the Dallas Cowboys when he had Ezekiel Elliott there with him and and he’s not a guy that can necessarily be a bell cowb for you but if he’s splitting the carries I think that’s going to bode well for Tony par so I’m going to put the Titans at three and then I’m putting the Texans at four just because you know Damen Pierce again didn’t show much last year I agree with you fully Drake that if he really showed uh uh that that he could be a quote unquote franchise running back or the guy that they could build the running back room around the Texans wouldn’t have gone out and and tried to get Joe Mixon you know and and you not only I mean they they did they traded like a seventh round pick so it’s not that that big of a deal but then they went and extended him they gave him a pretty large extension you know for a running back that’s turning 28 years old before he even plays a down for the Houston Texans so I you know Joe Mixon was was an all right back for the Cincinnati Bengals last year but he wasn’t Earth shattering you know and there’s a reason that the Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon and Zach Moss so uh to me that I I’m not I don’t think that Joe Mixon is going to have the type of impact that that people think for the Houston Texans and I think when you when you look at the rest of the AFC South I gave the Texans the number one quarterback rankings but I’m going to give them the number four rankings for the running back position so I think overall we can agree though pretty topheavy uh and then there’s still a lot of question marks that that could end up happening with kind of the depth pieces in the running back rooms but I don’t think there’s any debate that that Jonathan Taylor is head is is is Head and Shoulders Above the Rest of the running backs in the AFC South yeah and you’re putting into a now such talent around him we have you have to State it you have to State the scheme it’s more diverse it’s going to make guys think more on defense instead of like in 2021 I still can’t believe he actually put up those numbers because of the fact that every freaking team knew Wentz had no ability when the pressure was on and that Taylor was getting the ball so now you’ve got a lot more to throw at a defense and Jonathan Taylor coming back healthy you just need him to stay just that healthy and I think that it’s going to be a hell of a year it’s going to be a good one if everything can just fall in line the Colts and shade siken like to say we you know we’re gonna throw to score points and we’re going to run to win well as for Colts fans they’re hoping they see a lot of running at the end of games the Jonathan Taylor closes out a lot of Victories for the Indianapolis Colts so that’s our show for today guys really appreciate everybody tuning in to talk the running backs for the Indianapolis Colts as we continue our positional previews All Summer Long uh want to give a shout out to our super chats trua and DSG Goodbar thank you so much for all of your support as always and everyone else that joined us in the chat this evening again if you haven’t done so please go follow us on all of our socials like horseshoe huddle on Facebook follow at Colts on FN onx And subscribe to the Horseshoe huddle YouTube channel hit that Bell so you know when Drake and I go live all summer long so you never miss us but if you can’t catch us live wherever you listen to podcasts we’re on there as well so make sure you subscribe and give us a festar review while you’re at it Drake I know you’ve got a couple of new pieces out there on hesho huddle.com tell the people what they can go check out yeah so um I actually did a breakdown on um some analytics where last season the Colts ended up finishing at the bottom of the pack so go check that out of course I can’t say this uh I I can’t not say this how freaking awesome it is that former Colt safety and great Antoine be is now a member of the black College Football Hall of Fame so go check that piece out and then I’m going to have a couple others coming out I think that I’ve got one um ironically coming out on Jonathan Taylor being potentially one of the best fantasy football um draft choices in 20 24 so definitely keep an eye out for that but also draft Jonathan Taylor don’t be stupid that Jonathan Taylor piece will definitely be fun and yes congrats to Antoine Beth uh very good safety in his time with the with the uh with the Indianapolis Colts and guys I told you last week that rookie files will be on the way and it is the first rookie files will be on latu latu and I plan to release that on horseshoe huddle.com Wednesday morning been doing a lot of research and talking to different people to really get the full scope of Leu latu story so that’ll come out on Wednesday on horseshoe huddle.com make sure you check that out as well as everything else of our fantastic writers and and make sure you follow along with that rookie file series I really do appreciate it but go follow Drake at D walster Drake you can follow me at Andrew more NFL and we’ll be back Thursday night to talk about the wide receiver position in a for the Indianapolis Colts and the AFC South you know a lot to talk about Michael Pitman Josh DS the battle between Alec Pearson ad I Mitchell flush ashon douan and Anthony Gould and then looking at the AFC South you know the Texans made quite a bit of moves at or made the move to get Stefon Diggs the Jaguars got Gabe Davis and lost Calvin Ridley uh then you look at the Titans and they stole Calvin Ridley uh uh from the Jacksonville Jaguars and added Tyler boy it’s going to be fun to talk about the wide receivers on Thursday night so everybody enjoy your week stay cool because it is incredibly hot here in Indiana and we’ll see you right back here on Thursday night to talk more Colts football with all of you