‘Run Through JT’: Brian Schottenheimer Expects Indianapolis Colts To Lean On Jonathan Taylor Against Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, Texas — The Indianapolis Colts should start with running back Jonathan Taylor on Sunday, and the Dallas Cowboys expect plenty of him, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Friday.
Schottenheimer made the comments on 105.3 The Fan’s Shan & RJ. Indianapolis is 2-6 and has lost four straight. Since firing general manager Chris Ballard in October, the Colts traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco on Oct. 27.
Taylor has 610 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 148 carries this season, according to the Colts’ team stats. Schottenheimer said a defense can hold him in check for a stretch and still give up a long run.
“Absolutely. I think that should be their starting point just because he’s such an elite player, and you guys have seen him play,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s a great example of you can hold this guy to two yards a carry for eight, 10, 12 carries, and if he gets a crease, he’s got that electric home-run speed. I definitely think we’ll get a bunch of that.”
“And then they’re really good with their quick rhythm passing game,” Schottenheimer continued. “And Daniel Jones gets through his progression quick. And the tight end’s a really good player. But I think this thing will get run through JT for sure.”
Taylor told reporters in Indianapolis on Thursday that he has not requested a trade, NFL.com reported. The trade deadline is Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT. Quarterback Daniel Jones has thrown for 1,542 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, according to the Colts’ team stats.
Brian Schottenheimer On Josh Downs, Caleb Downs’ Brother
Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is the older brother of Cowboys rookie defensive back Caleb Downs. Schottenheimer said he was at Josh Downs’ pro day at North Carolina, where he first met the brothers’ father.
“I love Josh,” Schottenheimer explained. “I was actually at his pro day coming out of North Carolina a couple years ago. It’s the first time I actually met Caleb’s dad. He’s a dynamic receiver that’s got big play potential and certainly one of the favorite targets of Daniel Jones.”
Josh Downs leads the Colts with 330 receiving yards on 30 catches, according to the team’s stats. Indianapolis drafted him in the third round in 2023. Caleb Downs, the No. 11 overall pick in April, practiced fully Friday after entering the concussion protocol following last Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and he carries no game designation.
Dallas Cowboys Prepared For Indianapolis Colts Pressure
On the other side of the ball, Schottenheimer said opponents have blitzed Dallas more than their tendencies showed, and he expects the same from Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
“We usually get a higher percentage of blitz than what they’ve shown going into a game. This week we think is no different,” Schottenheimer said. “Lou Anarumo is a veteran NFL longtime defensive coordinator, and he’s got a lot of blitz packages.”
Dallas is 3-5. Kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium is set for noon CT on FOX.
