The Indianapolis Colts will be relying on the talents of rookie running back Jonathan Taylor as the starter following the season-ending injury to Marlon Mack in the team’s Week 1 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While Taylor showed off his talents as a runner throughout his three-year collegiate career at Wisconsin and even flashed what he can do as a pass-catcher in Week 1, there is one part of his game that is crucial for him to improve in every week: pass protection.
Offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni told reporters Tuesday that Taylor’s pass protection has been coming along.
“I think he’s done well, and it is definitely new for him. First of all, it’s a different protection scheme than he had at Wisconsin. So he’s done well picking it up – the knowledge of it,” Sirianni said. “There were some things – like any young back – that he went through some ups and downs during camp. The good thing is he’s smart, he’s willing and he’s physical. That is so important for that.”
After Mack left the opener with a torn Achilles, Taylor assumed the duties as the starter and the early-down back. He finished with nine carrier for 22 yards while catching all six of his targets for 67 yards. Despite only playing one half of football, the rookie led the team in rushing attempts.
But pass protection is a different animal. Even for the top prospects coming out of college, that is typically the one aspect of a back’s game that needs improving throughout their first season.
“He gets better with every rep. He’s got a great football coach with Tom Rathman helping him out and he’s got one of the best quarterbacks in Philip Rivers helping him out right there during the game,” said Sirianni. “He’s definitely made huge strides and he’ll continue to make huge strides. I have no doubt about that.”
Taylor was drafted to be the future of the backfield but after Mack’s injury, the future is now. Once he gets fully acclimated into the protection schemes, he will begin to see more work on third downs.
