Jonathan Taylor, the Indianapolis Colts’ Pro Bowl running back, is already being pegged as the team’s non-quarterback MVP candidate for the 2026 season by Kevin Patra of NFL.com. This isn’t just a casual take; Patra sees Taylor as the absolute engine for any Colts rebound this year.
The Workhorse Carrying the Load
Patra calls Taylor an “every-down workhorse with explosive potential,” and honestly, you can’t argue with that. This guy is electric every time he touches the ball. But here’s the kicker, and it’s a big one: Patra is seriously wondering if back-to-back seasons with over 300 carries are going to catch up to him. Is the club going to have to “siphon off some of his totes” as the season grinds on? That’s a huge question for the Colts, because if they’re gonna bounce back from last year’s collapse, it’s gonna be “on the strength of their Pro Bowl RB.”
Impact Beyond the Box Score
Last season, Taylor was straight-up productive, racking up 1,585 rushing yards. He’s still explosive, too, ranking ninth in yards per rush and tied for third in rushes of 10-plus yards. While everyone’s gonna be watching Daniel Jones and the Colts’ passing game, it’s Taylor who really sets the tone for that offense. A strong, steady run game keeps them out of those predictable long down-and-distance situations, which then opens up the entire playbook for Steichen. Taylor’s presence makes his teammates better; that’s the kind of quality you need from an MVP candidate.
What’s next for Taylor and the Colts? He’s entering the final year of his current deal, adding even more pressure to an already high-stakes season. Can he defy the wear-and-tear concerns and carry them to a rebound? The whole league is watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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