The Indianapolis Colts’ season will officially conclude on January 4, in Week 18 against the Houston Texans. Injuries have ravaged a once-playoff-hopeful squad that started 7-1 on the year. Yet despite the ultimate outcome for the Colts in 2025, running back Jonathan Taylor has continued to be a bright spot.
In the Colts’ Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jonathan Taylor rushed for his league-leading 18th rushing touchdown. This score marked Taylor’s 76th touchdown of his career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. It also pushed him past Pro Football Hall of Fame member Edgerrin James for the 4th most scores in Colts’ history.
GettyRunning back Edgerrin James rushed for 9,226 yards and 64 touchdowns as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
Taylor’s been in a historic run all season. Taylor became the Colts’ all-time leading rushing scorer on December 7 in the team’s initial match against the Jaguars during Week 14. He passed Edgerrin James, then as well, who was the previous leader with 64 rushing scores.
Taylor understands the significance and impact of his record-setting season. He talked briefly following the team’s Week 10 win over the Atlanta Falcons about what representing the Horseshoe in this fashion means to him, stating, “You just think about the guys who we’ve had in this organization beforehand, and to be named amongst those legends, it means a lot,” Taylor said. “I don’t take it for granted, but I also understand how those guys got there and how I got there, and it’s the guys around you. It’s the guys around you that support you, like I mentioned, the guys on the edge, the tight ends, O-line, it’s those guys who put you into that category. So I appreciate my teammates so much and it means a lot.”
Taylor’s 1,559 rushing yards on the year place him second behind James Cook’s 1,606 yards. He will attempt to reclaim the rushing title next week against a Houston Texans defense that has allowed the fourth fewest rushing yards this season.
GettyIndianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has five games with three touchdowns scored this season.
Colts Credited With Not Lacking Effort Despite Playoff Standing
There is much to be said about the Colts as a team this season, but through and through, regardless of everything, they continue to fight. Coming into Week 17 on a five-game losing streak, the Colts needed the Los Angeles Chargers to beat the Houston Texans on Saturday to keep their playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, the Texans prevailed over the Chargers, thus eliminating the Colts from playoff contention.
So, heading into their Sunday matchup against the Jaguars, already knowing their fate, it would have been understandable if the Colts came out flat. Yet, despite the situation, the team continued to display a tough resolve and bond that has carried them through the duration of the year.
GettyShane Steichen is 25-25 as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
Following the game, Head Coach Shane Stiechen spoke to the media about the team’s effort, saying, “They understood going into the game what the situation was, and you know what, we signed up for 17 of these things (games). It’s our job to go out there and fight like crazy and go give our best effort. I thought our guys played hard today and fought like crazy.”
Say what you will about how this season has turned out, but Stiechen has the team still committed and bought in, and that is worth something as a head coach who could potentially find himself on the hot seat in the offseason.
One More Opportunity to Get a Win
The Colts are currently riding a six-game losing streak. Facing off against a divisional opponent in the final Week of the season provides the Colts an opportunity to finish the year on a high note. As for the quarterback position, Stiechen didn’t provide an answer about whether Philip Rivers would remain the starter for the final week, leaving the door open for Riley Leonard or Anthony Richardson Sr. to get the nod at signal caller. If Steichen decides to roll towards the younger side, it’ll be a good opportunity for Indy to evaluate what the team has to offer at signal caller for 2026.
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