With Derrick Henry Out, Jonathan Taylor is Now the NFL's Best Running Back

Second-year Indianapolis Colts’ running back, Jonathan Taylor, has continued the dominance he showed in his rookie season and has emerged as one of the most elite backs in the NFL. Derrick Henry has undisputedly been the best in the position over the last three seasons when healthy, however he will be sidelined for much, if not all of the rest of the year. This opens up a spot for a fresh face atop of the RB rankings.

In Henry’s absence, Taylor has taken the ball and ran with it, consistently dominating opposing defenses while leading the league in rushing yards (1,122) and rushing touchdowns (13) through 11 weeks in 2021. The Wisconsin product is having a statement sophomore season for the Colts as he tries to lead them to the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

Jonathan Taylor = MVP? @JayT23 | @Colts | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/SsJ38QMnPS
— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2021

INTERESTING FACTS

Most total TD (5) during 1 GP in Indianapolis Colts history
T-most consecutive GP (8) with 100+ YScm & 1 TD since 1950 (LaDainian Tomlinson, Lydell Mitchell)
Most consecutive GP (8) with 100+ YScm & 1+ RUSH TD by a Colts player since 1976
T-most GP (6)^ with multiple RUSH TD through a player’s 1st 2 career seasons in Indianapolis Colts history

MAIN TAKEAWAY

WITH DERRICK HENRY OUT, JONATHAN TAYLOR IS NOW THE NFL’S BEST RUNNING BACK

COLORS KEY | FULL COLTS OUTLOOK

Jonathan Taylor has done things this season that most NFL fans have only seen once or twice in their lifetime, by recording eight straight games with 100+ yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. He has been the lifeblood of the Colts offense, helping to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.

Taylor has firmly cemented himself in the conversation for NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year as he’s emerged as the best weapon on the ground this year. Currently leading the league with 13 rushing touchdowns and 1,122 rushing yards, Taylor is not showing any signs of slowing down after setting a Colts record with five touchdowns in his last outing against the Buffalo Bills.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

J-Tay had himself a day

FOUR TOUCHDOWNS FOR JONATHAN TAYLOR 😤 @JayT23 #ForTheShoe

📺: #INDvsBUF on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/e7AI8swOxd
— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2021

🗣 ANOTHER ONE

Make that 5️⃣ touchdowns for @JayT23! #ForTheShoe

📺: #INDvsBUF on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/pKcHiSTr3s
— NFL (@NFL) November 21, 2021

2021 First Half Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lzPw0_2n1Q&t=50s