In line with NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, Indianapolis Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor is his choose to be the Horseshoe’s 2023 ‘Non-QB MVP’ forward of the upcoming season:

Indianapolis Colts

2022 document · 4-12-1

Jonathan Taylor

RB · 12 months 4

There are instances to be made for DeForest Buckner on protection or probably Quenton Nelson on offense. However Taylor is arguably one of many two or three greatest backs in soccer, and his worth to the Colts was made clear in 2022, when a Week 4 ankle harm helped begin the ball rolling on a nightmare season. With Indy anticipated to make a serious change at quarterback, having such a usually dependable playmaker within the backfield appears important.

No. 4 general choose Anthony Richardson has all of the bodily instruments to be an ideal QB in time, however there are holes in his recreation. If opponents want to fret about Taylor as a run menace, in addition to his improved talent as a go catcher, that may theoretically make Richardson’s life simpler each time he’s inserted into the lineup.

Taylor seems poised for a bounce-back season — the Colts’ skill to play at a decent stage as soon as once more may hinge on Taylor following via.

It’s laborious to argue an excessive amount of with the selection.

With high rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson behind middle, the Colts are anticipated to lean closely on Taylor and the bottom recreation to ease his preliminary transition to the professional ranks. Richardson’s dynamic speeding skill and upgraded arm power over his aged predecessor, Matt Ryan, must also make the Colts tough to cease in RPOs by opposing defenses and open up speeding lanes and area for #28 to gash them on the bottom.

Whereas Taylor was restricted by a bothersome ankle harm final yr, the previous NFL First-Crew All-Professional is only a yr faraway from a season during which he rushed for 1,811 speeding yards and 18 whole speeding touchdowns on 332 whole carries. Throughout that insanely productive season, Taylor was at one level thought of a bona fide NFL MVP candidate earlier than the Colts collapsed late within the season—though via no fault of Taylor’s personal particular person play.

So far as different Colts candidates are involved, DeForest Buckner has arguably been constantly the franchise’s greatest participant over the previous few years. He’s averted critical harm and routinely been a distinction maker within the inside of the workforce’s defensive position.

Nonetheless, I do marvel if Shaquille Leonard may in the end be a more sensible choice than Taylor right here.

The lingering query is the Maniac’s ongoing well being and rehabilitation although, recovering from a second again surgical procedure in as many offseasons. The Colts protection seems to be and hits completely different with the previous 4x NFL All-Professional linebacker flying round sideline-to-sideline and making performs—together with his patented punch-outs for compelled fumbles.

At this level although, it’s more likely that Taylor is totally wholesome for the upcoming 2023 season than Leonard, whose ongoing standing for the Colts stays unsure. So in that sense, Taylor seems to be a a lot safer choose to succeed in the supposed consequence as workforce MVP.