Running Back Unit Ranked 16th League-Wide by PFF for Indianapolis Colts

In the NFL, a team’s running back unit can define the identity of its offense—setting the tempo, controlling the clock, and easing pressure on the quarterback—and this offseason, Pro Football Focus (PFF), one of the most respected analytics outlets in the sport, released its rankings for league running back groups, delivering a mixed assessment for a key AFC team: Running Back Unit Ranked 16th League-Wide by PFF for Indianapolis Colts. The 16th-place ranking, which places the Colts squarely in the middle of the NFL pack, reflects a unit with clear strengths—most notably the talent of star running back Jonathan Taylor—but also areas for improvement, such as depth and consistency in backup roles. For the Colts, who have long relied on a strong running game to fuel their offense, the ranking serves as both a validation of their core talent and a call to action to address gaps before the regular season begins. Fans and analysts have debated the ranking, with some agreeing that the unit’s middle-of-the-pack status aligns with last season’s performance, while others argue that Taylor’s elite ability should push the group higher. As the Colts prepare for training camp, all attention is on how they’ll build on their strengths and fix their weaknesses to climb the rankings and support their playoff aspirations.

Running Back Unit Ranked 16th League-Wide by PFF for Indianapolis Colts is a ranking rooted in PFF’s detailed metrics, which evaluate every aspect of a running back’s performance—from rushing efficiency and pass protection to receiving ability and durability. At the heart of the Colts’ ranking is Jonathan Taylor, a two-time Pro Bowler who has established himself as one of the league’s top running backs when healthy. Last season, Taylor rushed for 1,001 yards and 6 touchdowns despite missing three games with an injury, earning an impressive PFF grade of 87.3—one of the highest among starting running backs. His ability to break tackles (he averaged 3.2 yards after contact per carry) and contribute in the passing game (28 receptions for 201 yards) makes him the backbone of the Colts’ running attack. However, the ranking drops when considering the Colts’ backup running backs. Last season, the team’s primary backup, Zack Moss, earned a PFF grade of 68.1, with inconsistent performances in short-yardage situations and limited impact as a receiver. The third running back, a rookie undrafted free agent, saw minimal playing time and graded just 62.5, raising concerns about depth if Taylor misses time. PFF’s analysis also noted that the Colts’ running back unit struggled in pass protection last season, allowing 8 pressures—tied for the 12th-most among NFL running back groups—which factored into their middle-of-the-pack ranking. For the Colts, addressing these backup and pass-protection issues will be key to moving up the rankings.

The context of the Colts’ 16th-place ranking becomes clearer when comparing it to other NFL running back units, as PFF’s list highlights the wide gap between the league’s elite groups and the middle tier. At the top of the rankings are teams like the San Francisco 49ers (1st) and Dallas Cowboys (3rd), which boast deep groups with multiple playmakers who excel in both rushing and receiving roles. The 49ers, for example, have Christian McCaffrey (PFF grade 91.2) and Elijah Mitchell (79.8), giving them a one-two punch that can dominate games. In contrast, the Colts’ unit relies heavily on Taylor, with little proven production behind him—a contrast that PFF emphasized in its analysis. The ranking also reflects the changing nature of NFL running back units, which increasingly value versatility and depth over relying on a single star. Teams in the top 10, like the Buffalo Bills (5th) and Philadelphia Eagles (7th), have running backs who contribute significantly to the passing game, with at least two backs on each team recording 30+ receptions last season. The Colts, by comparison, had only Taylor with more than 20 receptions among their running backs, limiting their offensive flexibility. This lack of versatility is a key reason PFF placed them in the 16th spot, as modern NFL defenses are better equipped to shut down units that rely too heavily on one player. For the Colts, studying the top-ranked units could provide a blueprint for improving their own group—specifically, by adding a versatile backup who can contribute in both the run and pass games.

Running Back Unit Ranked 16th League-Wide by PFF for Indianapolis Colts has sparked a response from the team’s front office and coaching staff, who have taken steps this offseason to address the weaknesses highlighted in the ranking. The Indianapolis Colts signed a veteran backup running back, Kareem Hunt, in free agency—a move directly aimed at improving depth and versatility. Hunt, a former Pro Bowler with the Cleveland Browns, has a career PFF grade of 78.9 and is known for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield (he’s recorded 245 career receptions) and excel in short-yardage situations. His addition gives the Colts a reliable backup to Taylor and a player who can spell Taylor in passing downs, addressing the pass-protection and receiving gaps noted by PFF. The Colts also drafted a running back in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, a speedster from Florida State who clocked a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine. While he’s expected to start the season on special teams, he provides additional depth and could develop into a change-of-pace option behind Taylor and Hunt. The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator, Jim Bob Cooter, has spoken about the importance of these additions, stating, “We know how valuable a strong running back unit is in our offense. Adding Kareem and our draft pick gives us the depth and versatility we need to be more unpredictable. We’re not just relying on Jonathan anymore—we have multiple guys who can make plays.” These moves suggest the Colts are serious about improving their running back unit and climbing PFF’s rankings in the coming season.

Another key takeaway from Running Back Unit Ranked 16th League-Wide by PFF for Indianapolis Colts is how the ranking impacts the team’s offensive strategy for the 2024 season. The Indianapolis Colts have long used a run-heavy offense, with Taylor averaging 18.5 carries per game over the past three seasons, but the PFF ranking highlights the risks of this approach if Taylor is injured or defenses focus all their attention on stopping him. With Hunt and the rookie now in the fold, the Colts can shift to a more balanced “running back by committee” approach in certain situations, reducing Taylor’s workload and keeping him fresh for critical moments. For example, Hunt could handle short-yardage carries and third-down passing situations, while the rookie could be used as a speed threat on outside runs and screen passes. This shift would not only make the Colts’ offense more versatile but also address the pass-protection issues noted by PFF, as Hunt has a career grade of 82.1 in pass protection—significantly higher than Moss’s 65.3 last season. The Indianapolis Colts’ head coach, Shane Steichen, has also emphasized the importance of the running back unit in setting up the passing game, noting that a strong running attack forces defenses to stack the box, opening up opportunities for wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. By improving their running back depth and versatility, the Colts can make their entire offense more dynamic, which could lead to more wins and a higher PFF ranking next season.

Looking ahead, Running Back Unit Ranked 16th League-Wide by PFF for Indianapolis Colts could be a turning point for the team’s running game, as it provides a clear benchmark for improvement and a roadmap for addressing weaknesses. If Taylor stays healthy and Hunt lives up to his potential, the Colts’ running back unit could easily climb into the top 10 of PFF’s rankings by the end of the season. The key will be consistency—both from the backups and in pass protection—as PFF’s metrics reward units that perform well week in and week out, not just when their star player is on the field. For the Indianapolis Colts, the ranking is also a reminder of the high expectations for their offense, which features Pro Bowl-caliber talent at quarterback (Gardner Minshew), wide receiver (Pittman), and running back (Taylor). A strong running back unit will be essential to supporting these players and helping the Colts compete for a division title and deep playoff run. For fans, the ranking is a source of both caution and optimism—caution because it highlights areas of weakness, but optimism because the team has taken concrete steps to fix them. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Colts’ running back unit, watching to see if they can exceed PFF’s expectations and become one of the league’s elite groups. Running Back Unit Ranked 16th League-Wide by PFF for Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a number—it’s a challenge that the team is ready to embrace.