Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell has faced a bunch of accomplished running backs during his lengthy NFL career, and theIndianapolis Colts'Jonathan Taylor sits near the top of his list.
Campbell described the Colts' star as “probably the most explosive back in the league” while speaking with reporters ahead of Sunday’s Week 1 matchup, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
A couple of notes from what Ravens DE Calais Campbell told reporters on Tuesday …
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 9, 2026
🏈Campbell described the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor as "probably the most explosive back in the league.”
Campbell: “There are a couple other guys — like Christian McCaffrey, there are a bunch of… pic.twitter.com/ni6XyphJgl
Campbell also mentioned San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey among
the NFL’s explosive runners before saying Taylor is “arguably No. 1.”
The praise comes after Taylor finished third in the NFL with 1,585 rushing yards last season, so Baltimore is treating Taylor accordingly.
Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said Wednesday that defending the Colts running back must involve the entire defense rather than simply the front seven. Weaver emphasized Taylor’s burst, speed and elusiveness and said Baltimore needs defenders swarming to the football.
Taylor is the chain that holds Indianapolis' offense together, as the AFC South squad looks to start the season on stronger footing after last year’s late collapse.
If the Ravens’ comments are any indication, Baltimore enters Week 1 fully aware of how quickly one Taylor run can alter the game.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Calais Campbell gives Jonathan Taylor lofty label before Colts-Ravens
