2. Colts must re-establish the run game
We saw the worst outing of the season for Zack Moss in Week 14 against the Bengals. He finished with 13 carries for 28 yards. While the small carries aren’t concerning since the Colts played from behind most of the game, the 28 yards is concerning. The Bengals ranked near the bottom of the NFL in run defense coming into the game. They got completely dominated on the line of scrimmage from the very beginning.
Is Zack Moss a serviceable running back? Certainly. But Jonathan Taylor brings the game-breaking ability that the Colts will desperately need come playoff time. Not having Taylor also shrinks the playbook a bit for Shane Steichen. So while the run game, or lack thereof, in recent weeks has been concerning, we’ll get a better idea of the state of things once Taylor returns to the lineup.
Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson saw another week of minimal impact, but while Taylor remains out, Sermon and Goodson may need to be included in the game plan more. That will take the load off of Moss going forward and will be an attempt to keep the defenses guessing.