Jonathan Taylor gave unique insight into the Colts run game and resurgence of NFL RBs

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, fresh off his second Pro Bowl appearance, appeared on the “Stacking the Box” podcast on Radio Row to discuss Anthony Richardson, the resurgence of the running back in the NFL, and — of course — Dairy Queen.

Despite some missteps, Taylor had an incredible season in 2024 and was ranked in the top 10 of all running backs in the league once the regular season had ended. It’s part of what has been described as a resurgence in the run game for the NFL, a change from recent years in which the pass game has taken priority over the run.

“You know, last year they’re talking about how we’re undervalued… you know, you don’t need running backs,” he said. “And then now we’re the next best thing since sliced bread. Guys like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs put out elite tape. Elite tape this year.

“And then there’s younger guys who are going to continue to push that false narrative out the window like [Jahmyr] Gibbs, Bijan [Robinson]. Like, there are a lot of guys. So I’m just excited to see that those guys are getting the respect that they deserve. We helped push that false narrative out the window. And we still got work to do, but, you know, we made a lot of progress.”

He also talked about the need to train hard in the offseason so he can handle the stress of the regular season.

“There’s no way you can go out there and handle 300-plus carries, 17-plus games, and not have a serious training regimen. Your body will break down,” he explained. “So for me, it’s putting myself in those stressful situations, really pushing myself to the max, so when the season comes, it’s easy in a sense, well, hey, I know my routine. My body’s prepared for it. So you’re able to bounce back a bit faster.”

The 2024 NFL season also featured several teams that helped usher in the rise of dual threats on offense, with quarterback and running back duos that are dangerous for a defense to contain. The Philadelphia Eagles have one with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, though the best example is likely the Baltimore Ravens with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

The Colts are on the verge of having their own dual threat since the combination of Taylor and quarterback Anthony Richardson poses a real danger to opposing teams. Taylor said that versatility gives the Colts a weekly advantage.

“I think Shane [Steichen] has done a great job of this so far, but just continuing to give options,” he said. “You know, there’s a threat. You know, I’ll hand it off to JT. You know what? I’ll keep it. Or you know what? Hey, actually there’s an advantage throw. So just continuing to give [Richardson] options. Now that keeps the defense on their toes, because you don’t know where the ball is going. And I think that’s what will make the offense unpredictable and allow us to be explosive.”

Taylor said Zaire Franklin, Fred Warner, and Roquan Smith are examples of the toughest defenders he faces, as they’re so powerful that you know you’re about to get rocked.

“It’s going to be a battle. You’ve got to buckle your chin strap up,” he said. “I know what type of game it’s going to be. But actually, those are the kind of games like you kind of like. You know you want to go against them. You want to get the best of them. And you know they’re going to bring their A game every time.”

But possibly the most important question in the interview? Taylor’s go-to order at Dairy Queen.

“So it’s a combo,” he said. “I’m getting their sauce and toss honey barbecue chicken strip basket with the Oreo blizzard treat. That’s a match made in heaven right there.”