Why Colts Should Retain Zack Moss Past 2023

Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss has played so well this season, he’s making a case to be a league-wide starter.

Shane Steichen and his Indianapolis Colts currently sit at the seventh seed in the AFC Playoff race at 6-5. To the untrained eye, this record looks pedestrian. But when more is discovered, it’s quite impressive.

There have been injuries at the most critical positions, multiple player swaps (especially on the offensive line), and growing pains with the third-youngest team in the NFL.

One of these cases is with running back Zack Moss, who has filled in at an unexpectedly torrid level in place of Jonathan Taylor this year. Even though Taylor is now etched in for the foreseeable future as the lead horse in the backfield, should the Colts consider keeping Moss in the fray given how well he’s played?

Here are three reasons why they should try.

#1.) Overall Performance on the Ground

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Numbers can be deceiving. But, in the case of Moss, they are a product of gritty work through the dangerous trenches of the NFL.

Moss didn’t suit up until the Houston Texans game in Week 2. But what he would do in his first four games of the season would put him in company with the best backs in the league.

As the undisputed starter, Moss put up 89 carries for 445 rushing yards (5.0 avg) and one rushing TD. This also equaled out to a ridiculous 111.3 rushing yards per game. To give context as to how insane this pace is, the league leader in rushing yards is San Francisco 49ers back Christian McCaffrey, who averages 85.4 rushing yards per game through 11 contests.

While it’s true that the Colts’ offensive line has had a resurgent season, it’s also factual that Moss is creating extra yardage and is a physical runner who can make life tough on tacklers.

Given Steichen’s offensive brilliance when orchestrating the ground game, expect Moss to fill in as he did earlier in the year as Taylor recovers from thumb surgery through the upcoming weeks.

#2.) Pass Blocking Efficiency

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Blocking typically isn’t showcased on highlights or discussed because it’s not glamorous. However, in the case of a running back, it pays to have a solid pass-blocker next to the QB.

Given that QB Anthony Richardson will need as much protection as possible, why not have the best pass blocker in the backfield for the Colts to fill that role?

Through 10 games played, Moss has 50 pass-blocking snaps per Pro Football Focus and is arguably the best blocker out of the Colts’ backs, sitting at a solid 62.0 grade in that category. To give context, Taylor is at 47.0, albeit while showing improvement from 2022.

It’s a small thing to the numbers game but of the utmost importance given Richardson or the far less mobile Gardner Minshew. Pass blocking that is reliable from a running back is valuable, and it might be another thing to consider for Chris Ballard when Moss’ contract concludes at the end of the season.

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#3.) Two-Headed Monster in the Backfield

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It’s a hard argument to not consider Taylor and Moss one of the best RB tandems in the league, if not the top.

Two good samples to look at when considering what these two can do in unison are the Colts’ 39-38 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 7 and their most recent victory in Week 12 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Indy threw only 23 times against Cleveland with Minshew but leaned into Taylor (18 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD) and Moss (18 carries, 57 yards) for 36 rushing attempts. They would have 132 rushing yards together and led the charge of Steichen’s offense.

Against the Buccaneers, Taylor (15 carries, 91 yards, 2 TDs) and Moss (8 carries, 55 yards) would rip the Buccaneers’ top-notch run defense to pieces for 144 rushing yards. The two would also put together an average per carry of 6.3 yards, which gives almost any offense a good chance to win.

Moss has displayed that he can make Taylor potentially more dangerous if he’s involved in the gameplan, giving defenses an entirely different weapon to consider, while keeping Taylor’s legs fresh and reducing bodily wear and tear.

Outlook

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It’s likely that the Colts want Moss to stay, but it will all come down to money.

Will Moss leverage this incredible season he’s put together to get the biggest possible contract? Or, will the league’s view on paying running backs overshadow a huge payday, giving Indy a chance to keep him?

Whatever the case, Steichen can use Moss efficiently and better than anyone else up to this point. He’s even more dangerous in unison with Taylor and could be far more explosive than we’re seeing with a healthy Richardson at the helm.

It will be something to keep a close eye on when the season ends, as Moss could see solid offers, given how well he’s played with the Colts.

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