There is no other way to put it.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is good, and if I am being biased based on what I saw last season, I am ready to label him great if he keeps being a top-five NFL rusher over the next seven seasons.
In only his second in the league, Taylor was selected First Team All-Pro, and he set the Colts’ single-season franchise records for rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). He also led the NFL in scrimmage yards (2,171), 100-yard rushing games (10), and first downs (107).
Once again. Jonathan Taylor is very good, so it will take an outstanding effort by the Houston Texans front seven to stop him on Sunday in their regular season home opener.
“It is going to be a huge challenge for us,” said Texans defensive end Jerry Hughes. “He is a terrific back. He tests every hole and makes you be gap sound on defense and we know he brings power and speed. So, he has the perfect blend.”
“He is probably the best running back we will play all year, so it is going to be a fun challenge for us. We are excited on defense and understand that it is going to take all 11 guys flying around the ball and putting bodies on him. You have to continue to make it a long physical game for him. It is going to be fun come Sunday.”
For Houston to be successful against Taylor, they have to keep him from breaking through the line of scrimmage where he can put pressure on the Texans’ linebackers and defensive back. However, that is easier said than done, as Taylor only spent 2.78 percent of his time being stopped from behind the line of scrimmage last season.
“We are excited on defense and understand that it is going to take all 11 guys flying around the ball and putting bodies on him,” said Texans DL Jerry Hughes on stopping Colts RB Jonathan Taylor.
#WeAreTexans #Sarge @TheTexansWire @Iam_jerryhughes pic.twitter.com/KEs71peQ2b— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 10, 2022
If Taylor can get through the Texans’ big bodies at the line of scrimmage, it will be a long day for Texans defenders trying to catch up with him. Of the top-five fastest runs by ball carriers in 2021, Taylor’s name appears in three slots.
In Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans, he reached 21:83 MPH on a 32-yard run from scrimmage. The following week against the New York Jets, he took the handoff and ran 78-yards for a touchdown maxing out at 22:05 MPH.
Taylor’s fastest and most impressive run was his Week 15 scamper against the New England Patriots. In the fourth quarter, on his 29th carry of the game, he topped out at 22.13 MPH on a 67-yard touchdown run.
With his ability to catch out of the backfield (40 receptions, 360 yards), the Texans’ defense will have to make sure they know where he is at all times and contain him once he gets the ball in his hands. Taylor’s ability to turn nothing into something was on display last season, as three of his most significant runs over 60 yards came when he was supposed to get ten or fewer yards.
Facing Taylor is a big deal for the media and fans, but to Texans linebacker coach Miles Smith, he is just a player on the opposing team.
“Jonathan Taylor is a great running back,” Smith said. “I think everybody knows that, but our defense isn’t set up to play individual players. We’re going to do what we do and we’re not going to scheme, create a different opponent. We’re going to stick to the fundamentals of football. Then, you can’t make football too difficult. Be where you’re supposed to be, run your butt off to the ball and make the play at the point of attack. Whether it’s Jonathan Taylor, or whether it’s anybody else, we’re going to do it the same way.”
