According to Pro Football Focus, Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Jonathan Taylor has been named to the advanced grade web site’s ‘Week 11: PFF Team of the Week’ for his standout performance against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday:
PFF TEAM OF THE WEEK
Offense
QB: Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
RB: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
WR: Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
WR: Damiere Byrd, New England Patriots
TE: Jordan Akins, Houston Texans
FLEX: Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
LT: Isaiah Wynn, New England Patriots
LG: Wes Schweitzer, Washington Football Team
C: Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles
RG: Brandon Scherff, Washington Football Team
RT: Taylor Moton, Carolina Panthers
Defense
DI: Tim Settle, Washington Football Team
DI: Raekwon Davis, Miami Dolphins
EDGE: Olivier Vernon, Cleveland Browns
EDGE: Bradley Chubb, Denver Broncos
LB: Reggie Ragland, Detroit Lions
LB: Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings
CB: Amani Oruwariye, Detroit Lions
CB: Janoris Jenkins, New Orleans Saints
S: Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos
S: Terrell Edmunds, Pittsburgh Steelers
FLEX D: Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins
The 41st overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft has had his fair share of rookie struggles in more recent weeks, but he ran hard with decisiveness on Sunday afternoon—while also showcasing his patience, power, and ‘sweet feet’ en route to 22 carries on 90 yards (4.1 ypc. avg.)—featuring 5 forced missed tackles.
The funny thing is that at halftime, Taylor had just 7 carries for 18 total rushing yards (2.57 ypc. avg.)—which was certainly nothing to write home about.
However, something must have clicked at the half or head coach Frank Reich made one heck of a halftime speech because Taylor ran like a running back possessed in the second half with 72 rushing yards on 15 carries (4.8 ypc. avg.).
The Colts opened the second half with six straight runs to Taylor, which may have revved up the rookie workhorse’s engine.
This was Taylor’s best run during the game—as he showed vision, his advanced cutting ability, and the strength to simply bowl over opposing defenders—fighting for extra yards:
RTDB!! @JayT23 | #GBvsIND
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 22, 2020
FOX pic.twitter.com/oyomojFtXw
Taylor would’ve had a touchdown too when with 9:40 left in the 4th quarter, he broke away from the Packers defense for 20 yards to the house—but it was called back by an offensive holding penalty on wide receiver Zach Pascal.
It’s a shame because it would’ve cemented the rookie’s big career day—while also giving the Colts more of a cushioned lead to better distance themselves from opposing superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the prolific Packers offense.
While Taylor hit the proverbial ‘rookie wall’ a few weeks ago, it’s important to practice patience with the young talented running back—who might be starting to hit his stride during his debut campaign—as things might be finally slowing down for him.
Despite some of the initial ‘growing pains’, Taylor has a really bright future and remains one of the league’s top rookies—having shown some serious flashes on Sunday of what he’s fully capable of once he starts getting more comfortable and confident within the Colts offense and the speed/physicality of the NFL level:
Highest-graded offensive rookies in Week 11 prior to MNF:
— PFF (@PFF) November 23, 2020
1. Adam Trautman - 84.8
T-2. Jonathan Taylor - 84.4
T-2. Justin Herbert - 84.4
4. CeeDee Lamb - 81.5
5. Mekhi Becton - 77.5 pic.twitter.com/DSleDiUvos