Jonathan Taylor is preparing for a heavy workload in 2024

Now that the majority of the NFL’s offseason has ended, it’s time to talk about one of the Indianapolis Colts’ biggest winners. The obvious answer is Anthony Richardson, so disregard that name.

In 2021, Jonathan Taylor was the best running back in football. Taylor rushed 332 times for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in his second season. Carson Wentz finished second in carries with 57, followed by Nyheim Hines with 56.

When you look at the Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 roster, the Wisconsin product was one of the greatest winners this offseason.

The Colts’ current running back depth chart includes Trey Benson, Evan Hull, and Tyler Goodson. Hull and Goodson are best recognized for their ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Benson produced well at Ohio State, but he only has 78 carries in his third season in the league.

After four years with the horseshoe, Taylor has 925 carries. When the season begins, he will be in the first year of a four-year agreement inked last year. Despite opposition teams’ attempts to keep him out of the game last year, he began to seem like the dominant force he was in 2021.

First 5 Games:

• 62 carries 254 yards and 1 rushing touchdowns
• 15 receptions 131 yards and 1 receiving touchdown
• 4.1 yards per carry
• 3 games averaging below 4.0 yards per carry

Last 5 Games:

• 107 carries 487 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns
• 4 receptions 22 receiving yards
• 4.6 yards per carry
• 3 games averaging above 4.0 yards per carry

Chris Ballard may go out there and sign a seasoned running back to replace JT, as Zack Moss did in the final five weeks of the season, but it doesn’t seem realistic.

Colts fans should be enthusiastic about Jonathan Taylor in 2024 because of some of the decisions the team did not make.

Josh Downs should improve as he develops, Taylor and Richardson should play more than two snaps together, and Michael Pittman Jr. should be retained. In addition, the team recruited Adonai Mitchell, a dynamic wide receiver who should help open up the run game.

Stephen Holder, ESPN.com’s Indianapolis Colts beat reporter, joined Query & Company Tuesday afternoon to provide his thoughts.

To listen to Jake Query and Jimmy Cook’s chat with Stephen Holder, download the audio linked below! You may always listen to the Query & Company from 12pm to 3pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan. You can also watch and participate in the show by heading to the 107.5 The Fan YouTube Channel.