Entering the 2023 season, everyone knew the Indianapolis Colts had one of the best running backs in the NFL. That was evident with all the attention that Jonathan Taylor’s contract situation drew to Indy. What people learned during the season, though, was that the Colts had two of the best running backs in the league.
That was established in the first half of the season while Jonathan Taylor was out with an ankle injury. Veteran running back Zack Moss filled in for Taylor and he was absolutely dominant. He led the NFL in rushing through six weeks, then he started sharing the load with Taylor. While Taylor nor Moss ultimately led the league in rushing, they still accomplished something special this season.
The 2023 season was the first time the Indianapolis Colts had two running backs rush for more than 500 yards since 2008, when Joseph Addai rushed for 544 yards and Dominic Rhodes for 538.
Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss were first Colts duo to rush for 500 yards each since 2008
Moss finished the year with 794 yards on the ground and Taylor finished the season with 741 rushing yards. While it was injury that made way for both of these talented backs to have productive seasons, everyone saw the vision of what they are as a duo. Now, the question is if this duo will remain together.
Taylor, of course, is under contract moving forward but Moss will be one of Indy’s many free agents this offseason. Moss was stated that he’s open to returning to the Colts, but it will probably all come down to money. Moss proved to the league that he could be a lead back, so there will probably be a team willing to pay him to do that. With so much money committed to Taylor, Indy probably won’t be able to match the kind of offers that Moss will get.
Even if Moss doesn’t return next season, the run game will still be in great shape. For starters, Jonathan Taylor. Additionally, depth pieces, beyond Moss, like Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson showed promise this season. There’s also the reality of Anthony Richardson returning to the lineup. With what he’s capable of with his legs, he and Taylor should be able to each get over 500 rushing yards as a duo.