Colts Jonathan Taylor impressing Frank R

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Frank Reich wisely got in front of a potential "controversy" when he anointed as the ' starting running back  ahead of rookie running back  before the start of training camp. Mack, the Colts' head coach Tim Tebow Jersey  said, had earned the opportunity to be the starter ahead of Taylor, the third running back selected in the 2020 draft.While nothing has changed in the six days following Reich's comments, Taylor has certainly made his case to earn significant playing time during his rookie season. On Tuesday, Taylor ripped off several big runs during practice, . Taylor, who is ble sed with both size (he's listed at 5-foot-10 and 226 pounds) and speed (he ran a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash at the combine), apparently also has the vision nece sary to make plays at the next level. "It's very evident for us watching  Jacob DeGrom Jersey him," Reich said of Taylor's vision on Tuesday, . "He's moving vertically through the hole and then he suddenly slide steps into space."Taylor's repertoire allowed him to rush for a staggering 6,174 yards and 50 touchdowns in three seasons at Wisconsin. And while his physical skills are impre sive, Taylor's mindset and willingne s to be physical are also invaluable parts of his game.   "I embrace it a lot," Taylor said of his physicality, . "My coaches have always told me that the best guy on defense is the guy who is moving the chains.  I'm always a guy who embraces keeping the chains moving, and in order to do that, you have to be physical, be willing to grind out some yards. Sometimes you have to be able to just hit a big one. But I think being able  Michael Conforto Jersey to play between the tackles is a huge deal, and I take pride in that." 's abrupt retirement forced the Colts to focus largely on being a running team in 2019. With Mack leading the way, the Colts were fourth in average rushing attempts per game last season. And while the arrival of Phillip Rivers will certainly lead to a more balanced attack in 2020, the Colts, with Mack and Taylor in tow, will continue to rely on their ground game to generate wins this season. Reich has not been shy in his praise of Mack, who rushed for a career-high  Gary Carter Jersey 1,091 yards in 14 games last season. It's clear that Mack, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, has been motivated by the arrival of Taylor. Reich has also been complimentary of Taylor, a two-time Doak Walker Award winner during  Mike Piazza Jersey his time with the Badgers.  "Jonathan obviously worked really hard in the offseason," Reich said, . "Physically he's in top-notch shape. That doesn't surprise me with the type of character he has. And then mentally this guy's really a smart player; he's worked very hard to pick up everything. Coach Tom Rathman's done a good job really catching him up to speed. Jonathan's putting in the extra time. I really think it's gonna help make it a dynamic backfield for us."