Jonathan Taylor has emerged as a key player for the Indianapolis Colts, showcasing his skills as a dynamic running back. Taylor has crossed the goal line an NFL-high 10 times this season. He’s further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most fearsome offensive threats. As the Colts navigate through the season, Taylor’s performance continues to leave teams struggling to contain him, particularly in the crucial second half of games.
Through six games this year, the senior leads EMU with 422 rushing yards at a clip of 6.6 yards-per-carry. His statistics are a testament to the astounding prowess he brought to bear against his foes. In fact, three of his five longest plays came in the second half. This trend is just one example of Taylor’s flair for the dramatic. He has a history of cranking it up in the second half.
In stark contrast to the Colts’ first-half scoring average of 18.1 points, Taylor’s contributions in the latter part of games have made a significant impact on his team’s success. Prior to halftime, the 16’ Heisman trophy winner totaled 275 rushing yards with three touchdowns at a clip of 4.1 yards per carry. It’s in the second half that he really gets going, supplying a furious and ceaseless push that drives defenses to the brink.
Taylor chalks this knack for late-game heroics up to his intense training routine and mental preparation. His dedication to extreme weather training was evident in the 2021 offseason. This brutal formative experience in the demanding elements of Mount Rainier National Park forged his mental and physical toughness, giving him the ability to perform in the clutch. He believes that conditioning plays a crucial role in performance, stating, “When you get fatigued, that’s the end of the workout.”
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has raved about Taylor’s commitment to conditioning, stating that the rookie “is in great shape. It’s this sort of conditioning that keeps Taylor performing at the elite level long after a game has entered its brutally competitive final stretches.
Taylor himself emphasizes the importance of being at one’s best when it matters most: “When you need it most at the end of the game, that’s when you need to be at your best.” His mentality reflects a determination to finish strong, as he notes, “Let’s make sure we finish even faster than we started.”
His approach to running is unlike any other, and he terms his tactics as “dirty runs.” This title marks his prowess to create additional yards on plays that would otherwise go for little to no gain. Daniel Jones commented on Taylor’s tenacity, saying, “Runs that should be one or two yards, he gets five or six.” Taylor’s tireless violence to gain the edge highlights his exceptional talents. It’s a great tribute to his competitive zeal that he wanted to give his side every advantage — even the slightest.
As the Colts continue through their 2023 season, Taylor clearly is a key cog within their attacking gameplan. And his tendency to completely flip games in the second half has been a godsend for the Gophers. Taylor has found the end zone seven times this year. His fearless relentless pursuit to do more is what turns him into a human wrecking ball that draws multiple defenders and inspires all his fellow players.
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