Early in the 2025 season, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor wasn't just leading the NFL in many rushing carries; he was playing at a level where he could sneak into the NFL MVP vote. He wasn't going to win, mind you; running backs don't. But he was at least in the conversation.
Then the historic collapse by the team in the second half of the season occurred. Indy started 7-1, but lost its last seven games. It was an astonishing fall. The team struggled due to injuries and a tougher schedule in the second half of the season, but the run-blocking also stopped being as on point.
Taylor went from having 244 yards rushing in Week 10, which also happened to be the final victory of the season for the team, to not having another game of 100 or more yards. He also averaged just 3.5 yards per carry over the final seven games.
Jonathan Taylor punished by Indianapolis Colts second-half collapse
In the same span, Taylor had just three touchdowns. He was so great at the beginning of the season that he led the league in 2025 with 18 rushing touchdowns and 20 total TDs, but when the team needed his production the most late in the year, it wasn't to be.
In the end, Taylor went from a potential MVP candidate to not even making an All-Pro team. The Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson was named First-Team, and the Buffalo Bills' James Cook was Second-Team. Robinson led the NFL in total yards with a ridiculous 2,298. He was so impressive that he was the First-Team running back and the Second-Team All-Purpose player.
Cook led the league in rushing yards with 1,621. The argument, even one made on behalf of Jonathan Taylor, is that Cook should have been the First-Team All-Pro running back, and Robinson Second-Team running back and All-Purpose player.
Taylor simply wasn't effective in the second half, not enough to remain in the running for All-Pro. The question is why, though? Perhaps defenses could focus far greater on him after quarterback Daniel Jones broke his fibula and before he tore his Achilles tendon. Jones wasn't a threat to run much with the injuries.
Still, Jonathan Taylor's diminished play was as great as the Indianapolis Colts overall. He couldn't break tackles the way he once did earlier in the season. Hopefully, after rushing more than 300 times in three of his first six seasons, he isn't simply gassed. Like all things Indy, let's just hope 2026 is better for everyone involved.