Running back Jonathan Taylor made his season debut on Sunday, a day after signing a three-year, $42 million extension with the Colts.
It’s a win-win deal for both parties, giving Taylor security while the Colts now have one of their best offensive players on the roster for the next few seasons.
After Indianapolis’ win over Tennessee on Sunday, Taylor said he “definitely” believes his new contract is a win for other running backs around the league.
“Any time a running back can go out and perform but also have some security, it just shows that running backs are essential,” Taylor said.
When Taylor was asked if he would have played for the Colts without a new contract, his answer deflected.
“I think with the new contract it doesn’t matter at all because you can continue working with it [team owner] Jim Irsay, [G.M.] For Chris Ballard and the entire organization, getting healthy has always been the number one goal,” Taylor said. “I think that’s why things were misconstrued. Everyone agreed: “Jonathan has to get well.” Jonathan wants to get well; “We want Jonathan to get well.”
“I think the fact that it was a little delayed is a big blow to myself because after the operation you just plan everything and then it takes a little longer and you have to keep grinding, keep grinding, keep grinding. You don’t know when you’re going to get out of it, and you start to get out of it little by little every day. You start doing more and more and then you progress and then it leads you to this point – a win in the division at home.”
Taylor added: “Ultimately it is always the organization’s decision [to give an extension]. Putting yourself in the best position is always the most important thing you can do, and for me that meant getting healthy.”
In his season debut, Taylor recorded six carries for 18 yards and one catch for 16 yards. Zack Moss led the offense with 165 yards on 23 carries and had two catches for 30 yards.
But now Taylor and Moss can potentially be a dynamic duo in the Colts backfield.
“I think it can get really scary,” Taylor said. “I mean, and I think you’ve gotten a taste for it – actually, you haven’t even gotten a taste for it today, you’ve gotten a taste for it in the last few weeks with Zack. Now it’s up to me to continue to do my part and continue to help this team.
“That’s what I’m going to do every day – work it inch by inch and we’ll get there.”