On Wednesday, Jonathan Taylor returned to practice for the Indianapolis Colts. Indy only had a walkthrough, but Taylor was back on the field, participating with his teammates for the first time since last season. It has been a tumultuous road leading to this moment, so everyone is thrilled that Taylor is preparing to play in a game with the Colts again.
While several teammates and coaches expressed their excitement about Taylor’s return, few seemed more hyped than rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. The media caught up with Richardson at his locker on Wednesday and asked him a ton of questions about the All-Pro running back. Richardson explained that he already has a good off-the-field relationship with Taylor, detailing how frequently they talk.
However, the moment where it was clear that Richardson was working to contain his excitement was when a reporter asked if he thought about what he and Taylor, lined up next to each other, would be able to do to defenses. With a smile, Richardson said that he can only imagine, but they won’t know for sure until it actually happens. Either way, he’s excited to find out.
AR on hitting the practice field with Jonathan Taylor: pic.twitter.com/v1TSkkhrIj
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 4, 2023
Anthony Richardson already imagining what he and Jonathan Taylor will do to defenses
When it was first reported that Taylor requested a trade, everyone pointed out how Taylor’s absence would impact Richardson the most. All quarterbacks, but especially young ones, benefit from being able to rely on a quality rushing attack and an elite running back. Without Taylor, Indy’s running game has still been good, and Anthony Richardson has been just fine.
However, adding Taylor back into the mix will allow the offense to go to another level. Not only will the run game improve, but as Shane Steichen explained, the passing attack will be elevated, as well, because of defenses’ attempts to stop explosive runs from Taylor.
The thought of this offense is exciting, and that’s why Zaire Franklin accurately captured how fans are feeling, when he revealed that he dreams about an offense with Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor in the backfield. Soon, those dreams will become a reality.