One 2nd-Half Touch for Jonathan Taylor? Shane Steichen Explains
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had 94-yards rushing in the first half in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints.
He finished the game with 95-yards rushing.
After a scorching start to the game, Taylor saw the ball just one time in the second half, a one-yard gain on the Colts' first possession of the third quarter.
The Colts eventually lost to the Saints 38-27 after scoring 20 in the first half.
With the emergence of Zack Moss, the Colts' running game isn't dependent on Taylor to be effective, but it was still surprising that Taylor had just one touch in the second half if he's healthy.
Head coach Shane Steichen explained the difficulties of managing a pair of dynamic backs in the flow of the game.
"Yeah, I did know that," said Steichen at Monday's media availability when asked if he was aware during the game Taylor had been limited.
"Sometimes the game, the flow of the game will kind of dictate how it’s called there. You’re down two scores in the fourth quarter – could I have popped a run in there? Absolutely, but I decided to throw it there towards the end."
Steichen was asked about different packages for different players to make sure the workload is balanced.
"I think throughout the game we have stuff that JT is tagged on, same thing with Moss," said Steichen. "Like I said, we try to ride the hot hand. JT is a big-time playmaker, and he’s continuing to improve every single week – obviously, you saw there in the first half. We’ll continue to evaluate those things going forward and making sure we have the guy that we want in at the right time."
The Colts find themselves with a good problem, too many good running backs. Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor are arguably the top 1-2 punch in the NFL.
Indianapolis is no longer reliant on Taylor for the team to be successful on offense. However, Taylor had the hot hand on Sunday, and he cooled off through a lack of use.
The flow of the game may have dictated more passing sets, but it stands to reason Steichen will learn from the experience and ride Taylor or Moss when they get in rhythm.
