Jonathan Taylor of the Colts claims that all NFL running backs will benefit from his new contract
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jonathan Taylor always put himself first in his pursuit of a new deal with the Indianapolis Colts. The All-Pro running back is aware that his new contract benefits not only him but also other players in his position.
Taylor -- One day after ending his bitter dispute with the Colts by signing a new three-year, $42 million contract, he acknowledged that his agreement represents a little reversal of recent trends at his position.
Taylor declared, "I'm sure it's [a shift]." "Anytime a running back can go out there and perform but also have some security, it just shows that running backs are essential."
Taylor has already mentioned how challenging it has been to be an excellent running back in the NFL. In the offseason, players like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs failed to land long-term contracts. However, Taylor said that the Colts on Sunday offered a compelling illustration of the position's worth. In his first game after being activated from the physically unable to perform list, Taylor had a limited role, but the Colts still defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-16 thanks to running back Zack Moss.
Moss' effort was highlighted by a career-long 56-yard run in the first quarter as he carried for a career-high 165 yards and two scores. Even though Anthony Richardson, the team's starting quarterback, had a right shoulder injury in the second quarter, the team still managed to win.
"Just being able to lean on [Moss] in order to come out with the win," Taylor stated. "I mean that last drive, I think we got the ball with like eight minutes, 55 seconds left."
The Colts scored the game-winning field goal from 28 yards away after a 14-play, 84-yard drive. On the drive, Moss accounted for 63 total yards, including a 13-yard run and a 26-yard reception.
"We knew it was going to be a physical game," Moss stated. "That's a physical team that we were playing, and all our games, really, in this division we go against some really good, physical teams."
Taylor gained 18 yards on six carries and 16 yards on one reception. After his reception, he noticed some space along the right sideline and jumped over a defender before being thrown out of bounds. Taylor believes the pairing of him and Moss has enormous potential once Taylor gets up to speed, despite the fact that he has only participated in two sessions since returning to the lineup.
"I think it can get really scary," he stated. "Over the past couple weeks, you guys have been getting a taste. Therefore, it is now up to me to keep doing my part and supporting this team.
Since reinjuring his right ankle on Dec. 17 and being put on injured reserve, Taylor had not participated in a game. When he reported for training camp in July after having surgery in January, he said the ailment was still bothering him. Taylor, who now claims to be in good health, thought back on the time he had missed and his occasionally bitter battle for a new contract.
He said that it all had a personal cost.
"It weighs [on you] a lot, especially when you're not healthy and you can't go out there and do what you love," Taylor stated. "It's difficult. You need to have a strong support system because it challenges you and puts you in challenging situations mentally.
Taylor stated that he thinks the outcome was worthwhile. He succeeded in his mission and received a new contract that, if it came at all, seemed more likely to happen after the season.
"At the end of the day, it's always the organization's decision," he stated. "But the most important thing you can always do is to position yourself in the best possible way. And that was it for me.
