As the NFL prepares for the 2023 season, the running back room of the Indianapolis Colts was recognized as one of the best in the league.
After the 2021 season, it was clear that the Indianapolis Colts had one of the best running backs in the NFL. In just his second season in the league, Jonathan Taylor led the league in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. His spot among the best was unquestioned. Taylor isn’t the only running back in Indianapolis getting respect though.
In a recent ranking of NFL running back rooms by PFF, it’s clear that Indy’s entire running back unit is respected. Ranking all 32 running back units, Gordon McGuinness ranked the Colts at No. 5, acknowledging them as one of the best units in the league.
The Top-10 RB units in the NFL, per @PFF_Gordon pic.twitter.com/vcokgHXRyN
— PFF (@PFF) June 23, 2023
Colts running backs ranked fifth-best unit in NFL
McGuinness explained that even with Taylor coming off a down year that was impacted by an ankle injury, his status as a top running back in this league is safe. Taylor’s backup is Zack Moss, who McGuinness highlighted for “earning 74.0-plus PFF rushing grades in all of his first three seasons in the NFL.”
The Colts being ranked this high checks out. As stated, Jonathan Taylor is one of the best backs in the league. In three years in the NFL, he has rushed for 3,841 yards and 33 touchdowns. When he was injured last season, Moss stepped in and ran for 365 yards on 76 carries, 4.8 yards an attempt. Add in the young guys like Deon Jackson and Evan Hull, and it’s clear Indy has a top unit.
As good as they are, the key to the Colts running backs fulfilling their potential is the offensive line. Indy’s offensive line struggled last season and that’s why the running game wasn’t as dominant as it could be. If the o-line steps up, then Indy’s running backs will really be able to show out.