How an RB Quartet Can Help Colts Superstar Bounce Back in 2023

The Indianapolis Colts are heading into a new era of football, and they'll need help preserving their biggest weapon for the future.

It's no secret that running back Jonathan Taylor is the most destructive offensive weapon the Indianapolis Colts currently have on the roster.

However, with the volume that a star like Taylor plays at, the Colts may want to help preserve him a bit more with so many new faces joining the team. Quarterback Anthony Richardson, wide receiver Josh Downs, and multiple offensive linemen have donned the horseshoe through the 2023 NFL draft.

These young players will need the playmaking presence of Taylor in the backfield to help them hit the ground running quicker in the league. Luckily, the Colts have Zack Moss, Deon Jackson, and the newly acquired Evan Hull to help with this.

In the following piece, I will discuss the group of running backs behind Taylor that the Colts have at their disposal; and how each of these players can make an impact in the backfield to help ease the workload of the superstar.

Zack Moss-Short Yardage

Moss came to the Colts in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2022. He had 76 carries for 365 yards and a score in his eight games. Also, he posted nearly five yards per carry.

Given how horrific the offense performed around Moss, these are better numbers than on paper.

Moss may be a minor receiving threat, but he is physical and fights for yardage where it's needed. Should new coach Shane Steichen need the tough yards, Moss can be a great fill-in to give Taylor a breather.

Deon Jackson-Change of Pace

Jackson had the chance to showcase some of his skills in 2022. Unfortunately, he didn't have a competent team playing around him like Moss.

However, he posted a versatile stat line of 68 carries for 236 yards and a rushing score, 30 catches for 209 yards, and a receiving touchdown.

Given how diverse this backfield could be with Steichen, Jackson could offer many options to attack a defense. With how much Taylor will likely see the field, Jackson is a back that can fill in on short yardage (13 first downs in 2022) or as a receiving back.

Evan Hull-Third Down Back/Receiving Specialist

The Northwestern product may have been the best receiving back from the NFL draft.

In 2022 alone, he hauled in 55 catches for 546 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. However, he is also a bruising runner. He'd post 196 carries for 1,009 yards and a 5.1 average in 2021. He would then follow it up with 221 carries for 913 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns the following season.

This shows that he could be a true mismatch for linebackers or defensive backs, being nearly 6'0" and 210 pounds, on third down. Hull is one of the most intriguing adds to this Steichen scheme. We'll see what his part is in 2023.

Outlook

Taylor is a back who needs the ball in his hands. That's without question. But, with a young quarterback and team around him, it's time to help the man out a bit. In 2021 he did erupt, leading the league in carries (332), rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18), and rushing yards per game (106.5).

Despite these numbers, the Colts still missed the postseason, and the offense essentially relied on Taylor to do everything. That can't happen forever.

I believe with this talented coach and backfield committee, Taylor can be maximized with around 20 touches (hand-offs and catches) per game, likely over that mark a little bit. This will keep him around with Richardson and company for the most critical years of development.

It will be fun to see how each player of this backfield will be factored into such an interesting offense as Steichen runs.

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