Jonathan Taylor has been back with the Indianapolis Colts for quite some time now.
However, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is preparing to see Taylor back in full force on Sunday.
Stefanski stated on Wednesday, in response to a question about whether he anticipated Taylor returning to his RB1 position in Week 7, “We’re prepared for that scenario if it happens.” He added, “I believe they have several players. They can rotate numerous individuals in that position. We deeply respect Jonathan Taylor and expect his involvement to increase as the games progress. However, they have several players who can cause damage when they have the ball.” This was all according to the team transcript.
Taylor began the season on the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury and amid contract squabbles with the Colts, who eventually signed the 2021 All-Pro to an extension.
Upon his 2023 debut, Taylor had just seven touches in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans and then upped his usage to 13 touches against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Indianapolis’ running game has been stymied for the season with the loss of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who had 136 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in four games, but a full-strength Taylor could be a game-changer.
It remains uncertain if Taylor will resume his role as the key player for Indy this Sunday, but Stefanski is confident his team will be ready. The data indicates they should be.
In 2023, the Browns defense has performed exceptionally, leading the NFL in yards allowed, ranking fifth in points conceded, and fourth in defending against the run.
It is likely that Taylor, or any other Indy rusher, will need to prepare for a long day ahead.
“Good defense, offense, run defense, and run offense all require 11 guys diligently doing their job and working together,” said Stefanski. “I believe that’s what we’re seeing.”
As aforementioned, what Stefanski has seen is a formidable Colts rushing attack that has been surprisingly successful without Taylor. Fourteenth in the league in yards gained on the ground, Indy has been buoyed by Zack Moss, whose 466 rushing yards lead the AFC. It’s a credit to rookie head coach Shane Steichen, according to Stefanski.
Stefanski praised the effective run scheme that coach Steichen introduced from his time in Philadelphia. Stefanski highlighted the proficiency of the offensive line and the quality of the RPO package that Steichen has developed throughout his career. He noted that this kind of attack demands a comprehensive defensive strategy.
Cleveland is coming off a Week 6 upset of the San Francisco 49ers in which they held the NFL’s leading rusher, Christian McCaffrey, to a season-low 43 yards before he left with an oblique injury. Sunday offers the latest test for the mighty Browns defense, which is most certainly playing at an elite level heading into its matchup with Taylor, Moss and Indy.
