In Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans, the Indianapolis Colts set a new team rushing record in the process.
The previous single-game rushing record had stood for nearly 70 years and was set in 1956 when that Colts team rushed for 318 yards in an outing.
However, as the old saying goes, records are meant to be broken.
Taylor would lead the way for the Colts on the ground, rushing for 218 yards on 29 attempts, averaging 7.5 yards per rush. This included rushes of 65 yards and 70 yards from Taylor, both of which went for touchdowns.
Those 218 rushing yards from Taylor was the second-highest total in his career. He’s previously reached 253 rushing yards in a game.
Also playing a big role and contributing to that record was Anthony Richardson, who rushed for 70 yards of his own at 7.8 yards per attempt.
The duo would also find the end zone a combined four times, and collectively, the Colts offense rushed for 335 yards, beating the previous record by 17 yards.
RTDB like we’ve never RTDB before. pic.twitter.com/1n5TS1rBi2
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 22, 2024
Obviously, it’s not going to be to this extent every week, but this game showcased why success for the Colts offense runs through the ground game–pun intended.
After a sluggish start from the offense to begin the game, a heavy dose of Taylor and Richardson in the second quarter–which included 12 straight running plays–turned the tide in the second quarter of Sunday’s game.
For starters, defending a backfield that consists of Taylor and Richardson is a real stressor for defenses and can stretch them horizontally, creating better spacing for the offense to attack and operate within.
But in addition to that, it opens up opportunities in the passing game, as we saw on the explosive completions to AD Mitchell and Josh Downs, who found themselves in one-on-one matchups sparked by the run game.
Steadily picking up yards in the run game also keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and in manageable down and distances. With the Colts offense rolling in the run game, it’s not a coincidence that Indianapolis was a combined 9-for-16 on third and fourth downs.
Along with breaking this team record, Taylor would also eclipse the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the 2024 season in this game as well. This is now the third time in his career he’s hit that milestone, and the first time he’s done it since 2021.
Taylor is now one of just four Colts’ running backs to accomplish this feat three times in their respective careers. The others are Edgerrin James, Marshall Faulk, and Lydell Mitchell.
