Entering the Week 5 game for the Indianapolis Colts, the main storyline was Jonathan Taylor. Taylor had been activated off the PUP list, was extended by the organization, and was making his season debut. However, Indy’s other running back, Zack Moss, stole the show with a career day, as he ran the Colts to a 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Moss carried the ball 23 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 30 yards. He was a big reason why Indianapolis were able to run seven minutes off the clock in the fourth quarter, essentially securing the win.
Zack Moss is GONE. 💨
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 8, 2023
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/hBSmZKwDsv
Zack Moss dominates for Colts in Week 5 win
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Although everyone was happy to have Jonathan Taylor back, including Zack Moss, Moss had been playing well all season. After missing Week 1, Moss ran for 70 yards in Week 2, 122 yards in Week 3, and 88 yards in Week 4. He took things to another level against Tennessee, and Indy really needed it.
The Colts lost starting quarterback Anthony Richardson to a shoulder injury, and the defense couldn’t stop Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, allowing him to catch eight passes for 140 yards. Gardner Minshew did play well stepping in for Richardson, completing 11-of-14 passes for 155 yards, with some clutch passes, but it was Zack Moss who was Indy’s offense for the day.
As for Jonathan Taylor, in his return, he carried the ball just six times for 18 yards, and had one reception for 16 yards. The plan for Taylor was only to see limited snaps and carries, since he had been out for a while. Luckily, the Colts had Zack Moss to lean on.
Now, Indianapolis is 3-2, sitting atop the AFC South. The Colts have a lot to work on, but the top priorities will definitely be getting Anthony Richardson healthy and Jonathan Taylor up to speed. Once Richardson, Taylor, and Moss are all healthy and up to speed on the field, the Colts will have a dangerous offense that should win a lot of games.