Colts Rookie Running Back Shines with First Unit vs. Eagles

As the Indianapolis Colts rolled out their starting offense against the Philadelphia Eagles, a rookie running back made an impact and showed he has the skills to be a difference-maker on a young offense.

The Indianapolis Colts played their first-team starters for the entire first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night, ending the half with a 17-13 lead at Lincoln Financial Field.

While rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson took most of the limelight, playing well despite some drops from his receivers, fellow rookie running back Evan Hull made the most of his opportunities, as well. 

The other running back and Colts veteran Deon Jackson would also find paydirt but was bottled up for the most part, putting together 4 carries for 8 rushing yards (2.0 avg.) and a long run of four yards. It is worth noting that Jackson has also had a solid camp and shown out at times as a potentially potent weapon for the Colts backfield. 

With the dramatic situation of the Jonathan Taylor contract issue, it was good for Indianapolis to have one of their 2023 draft picks make an impact from the running back position. In a short sample of playing time, Hull would take 6 carries for 25 rushing yards (4.2 avg.) and a score.

Hull would show multiple facets to his game in the first half, using elusiveness in the open field, power through tacklers, and efficient backfield awareness to put together a solid performance for the preseason finale. It’s also clear that Hull and Richardson were forming chemistry for the offense and helping one another get opportunities. 

Richardson’s team-leading 38 rushing yards on 5 carries (7.6 avg.) assisted with Hull’s spacing and gaps that he was able to run through. Given that Richardosn’s mobility can be lethal if not accounted for, Hull was able to showcase moments out of the backfield that could help get him snaps in the regular season, regardless of what happens with Taylor and the Colts.

Hull would also show he can be an asset as a pass-blocker. Against the Eagles he had multiple snaps where he would stand tall and help Richardson with the blitz, even notching a pancake block to help Richardson step up in the pocket and make a throw in the second quarter. 

Heck of a rep here by Evan Hull (26) in pass pro. pic.twitter.com/H4vAeu4peh

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) August 25, 2023

Will Hull be a factor in Week 1 of the regular season when Indianapolis faces off against the Jacksonville Jaguars? His diverse attributes could be something that Colts head coach Shane Steichen utilizes, especially given his receiving prowess. This was something missing from Indianapolis post-Nyheim Hines.

If the situation with Taylor results in a trade, then the running back responsibilities will likely fall on the rookie Hull and veteran Jackson. The two in tandem with read options and RPOs could be interesting and they could work well together. However, it’s Hull who sticks out as potentially the more explosive player of the two. 

Outlook

It’s merely the preseason, but Hull has shown glimpses in Colts training camp, as well as the preseason, that make it clear why Indianapolis drafted him in the fifth round out of Northwestern. While his receiving skills weren’t put on display much during the preseason, he is still one of the more consistent pass-catching backs that the Colts have; and he’s only a rookie who is just starting to find his professional football form that could catapult him to a bigger role than previously expected.

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