3 Changes the Colts Offense Could See Without Jonathan Taylor

With rumors of Jonathan Taylor having trade suitors throughout the NFL, what would the Indianapolis Colts' offense look like without their superstar in the backfield?

The Jonathan Taylor contract/trade saga against the Indianapolis Colts continues. Now, Taylor has formally requested a trade out of the Circle City.

Sources: #Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade after meeting with owner Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/BH7dhZAzUD

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2023

Despite this, it seems that owner Jim Irsay and the Colts aren’t interested in trading him to another team. Regardless of what is to come, it needs to be brought up that the Colts' offense would look different in multiple ways should there be a holdout from Taylor or a trade.

For this piece, there will be three different changes that could happen. Let’s get started.

1. Less Efficient Passing Offense

© Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite solid weapons like receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs, and a unique tight end group, the Colts are still an offense that will likely operate best with a strong ground game. This is even more true with a QB that has the abilities that Anthony Richardson possesses.

However, removing Taylor from this attack would make defenses think completely differently about how to defend the Colts’ offense.

Even with a healthy Zack Moss, it still isn’t Taylor. Having a monster playmaker in a backfield with Richardson and Shane Steichen’s mind makes defenses respect many aspects before the snap. Is it Richardson holding onto the ball or is it Taylor? RPOs (Run-Pass Options) are far more dangerous with this combination and it opens the vertical game to a new level of terrifying for defenses.

This isn’t to say the other backs (Moss, Evan Hull, Deon Jackson, Zavier Scott, and Jake Funk) can’t be effective. But, it is to say none of these players touch the electricity that Taylor creates, and NFL defenses know this.

Even with a more proven passer like Gardner Minshew, the offense is simpler without Taylor. Maybe even easier to figure out given that Minshew doesn’t move like Richardson.

If Taylor walks or sits out the 2023 year with contract disputes, look for nearly every Colts pass-catcher to struggle more to get the ball without their bell-cow running back to take attention elsewhere. 

2. Richardson Will Draw More Attention

© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Look, Richardson is dynamic enough to grab any defensive coordinator’s attention. He will undoubtedly be in every opposition’s game plan and will be an important piece to contain.

Similar to the wide receiver section before, this will put all of the weight and spotlight likely on Richardson. For how much Taylor can help Richardson develop and get used to NFL speed, this isn’t a good thing for him to have all eyes on him from opposing defenses.

Also, the offensive line is still unproven coming off of a brutal 2022 campaign. Even if the protection and run blocking improved as the season came to a close, it’s still not enough for a defense to be wary just yet. This fearlessness from the opposing defenses could be amplified if Taylor isn’t behind the signal caller.

3. Fewer Explosive Plays

© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

This final entry is a tie-in of one and two. Without Taylor, the receiving/tight end core struggles and so does either Richardson or Minshew, which leads to less explosive plays offensively.

This isn’t what Indianapolis wants, especially when their new head coach has referenced “vertical shots” and “pass to score, run to win” numerous times. Let’s face it, with Richardson still so new and a rookie, this offensive mindset works best with Taylor as the heartbeat.

While he would likely not see the ridiculous usage he did in 2021, Taylor would still see plenty of work. The inclusion of an interesting set of runners behind him is what makes the backfield so intriguing when there are no injuries or embarrassing drama involved.

Also, Richardson and Minshew need Taylor, more than likely, to generate these explosive plays downfield. Again, until the offensive line proves it’s a consistent unit for more than a handful of games, they can’t be entirely trusted, especially with a talented but inexperienced rookie QB. This adds to the argument that this offense is probably at its best when the backfield is led by Taylor. 

Outlook

© Mykal McEldowney / USA TODAY NETWORK

Whether or not the Taylor fiasco comes to a happy end in Indianapolis’ favor, the Colts have to brace for anything. It’s likely not a long-term crippling occurrence if Taylor ends up busting Irsay’s demand that “we won’t trade” and leaves Indy. However, it won’t give this incredibly young roster any favors for the upcoming season if he takes his talents to another franchise. 

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