Indianapolis Colts' newcomer Seth McGowan, a running back, has recently garnered significant attention due to a compelling comparison made by his teammate, veteran Jonathan Taylor. Taylor highlighted McGowan's unique running style, specifically pointing out his agile footwork. This observation elevates McGowan beyond the typical perception of a power back, suggesting a versatility that could be crucial for the Colts' offensive strategies. The comparison to an established 1,000-yard rusher like David Montgomery sets high expectations for the rookie's potential impact on the field.
During a recent training camp session, following a practice on Tuesday, Jonathan Taylor fielded questions regarding Seth McGowan's on-field demeanor. While McGowan is recognized for his powerful contributions to the Colts' backfield, Taylor underscored a less obvious aspect of his game: his refined footwork. This skill, according to Taylor, is reminiscent of David Montgomery, currently with the Texans, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional agility throughout his career. Taylor recalled Montgomery's early days in Chicago, noting that discerning fans always appreciated his comprehensive skill set, which extended beyond brute force to include remarkable footwork and spatial awareness. Taylor believes McGowan possesses similar attributes, making his development in live-game scenarios particularly intriguing as he aims to showcase his full range of abilities.
David Montgomery has built a commendable career, twice exceeding the 1,000-yard rushing milestone over his seven NFL seasons. His consistent performance includes accumulating at least 700 rushing yards each year and achieving double-digit touchdowns on two occasions. Such statistics underscore the caliber of player to whom McGowan is being compared. McGowan's collegiate career statistics further support this analogy; he averaged 3.22 yards after contact, a testament to his ability to break tackles, evade defenders, and gain additional yardage. In 2025, he ranked an impressive 42nd among running backs in generating missed tackles, indicating his inherent knack for making plays.
Currently, McGowan is engaged in a competitive battle with DJ Giddens for the coveted backup running back position. Reports from Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan, following Tuesday's practice, indicate a growing admiration for McGowan's consistent performance. Bowen expressed his continued positive impressions of the rookie's capabilities, suggesting that McGowan is making a strong case for himself within the team. The ongoing competition highlights the depth and talent within the Colts' running back corps, promising an exciting season for fans.
This emerging talent brings a fresh dynamic to the Colts' offense, with his versatile running style and impressive collegiate record indicating a promising future. The high praise from a respected teammate like Jonathan Taylor, coupled with strong practice performances, solidifies McGowan's position as a player to watch as he vies for a significant role in the upcoming season.
