Indianapolis, IN — Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has put on a dominant start to the season. After blowing past the Tennessee Titans for the second time this season, the Colts remain alone
atop the NFL standings at 7-1, a start they haven’t matched since their Super Bowl runner-up season in 2009.
It was a convincing win that came on the heels of Taylor, a tried-and-true formula that has catapulted the Colts atop national power rankings as we near the season’s midway point. This time, however, saw Lucas Oil Stadium erupt into a serenade of MVP chants following the running back’s second score on the day.
Jonathan Taylor’s impressive day against the Titans solidifies that he’s en route to T.Y. Hilton-esque bully ball against multiple teams. Already proving to be the Las Vegas Raiders’ boogeyman throughout his career thus far, Taylor just recorded NFL history against the AFC South foe.
Against the Titans on Sunday, Taylor became the first player in NFL history to record three touchdowns (rushing or receiving) against the same opponent across three consecutive games. On the day, he rushed for 153 yards on 12 carries (12.8 yards per carry) and 2 rushing touchdowns while adding 2 receptions for 21 receiving yards and his third score overall.
According to ESPN Research, Jonathan Taylor is now the fifth player since 2000 with at least three scrimmage touchdowns in four games in a season, joining Marshall Faulk in 2000, Priest Holmes in 2002 and 2003, Shaun Alexander in 2005, and LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006. Meanwhile, Taylor has not played in half of his games.
In his last three games against the Titans, Taylor has garnered the following statistical output: 48 carries for 473 rushing yards (9.9 ypc) and 8 rushing touchdowns; 5 receptions for 37 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.
Jonathan Taylor’s recent stretch of sending his divisional rival into a torture chamber is both wildly impressive and mightily vindicating for Colts fans, but the target is set for much bigger fish. The crosshairs are locked onto the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and no two eyes have a greater grasp of such aspirations than Taylor himself.
It’s been discussed ad nauseam at this point — the Indianapolis Colts offense’s resurgence being the next best story — and for good reason. Until recent weeks, there were (understandably) doubters, and the Colts have simply refused to pay any attention to it as they continue to steamroll teams every week as if it’s regularly scheduled programming.
Now that the dust has settled on detractors getting their best contrarian takes out, national media and fans alike are finally admitting defeat and/or have finally given in to giving the Colts their flowers. Every person affiliated with the Colts organization deserves credit for righting the ship; however, it’s time to scoff at Offensive Player of the Year aspirations, as Jonathan Taylor has played himself into leading the charge of Most Valuable Player talks.
Last week, I wrote an article that suggested Taylor was playing like an MVP candidate. Hand up, I was wrong. He isn’t producing like the best player in the NFL; he has been the best player in the NFL.
Through 8 weeks, there isn’t a single major statistical category among running backs that Jonathan Taylor doesn’t lead in. Although it seemed like Taylor’s illustrious 2021-22 campaign was destined for OPOY hardware, a rare Triple Crown winner in then-Rams WR Cooper Kupp derailed all hope whatsoever. Fast forward, and Jonathan Taylor is flying by those aforementioned player award aspirations and keeps his sights set on hoisting a team-based trophy instead. Any personal recognition will inevitably play second fiddle to a championship in the eyes of Taylor; however, I’d be remiss not to sing his praises for him, as legitimate consideration for non-QBs is oftentimes tossed to the wayside.
Heading into Week 9, barring a miracle on Monday Night Football, Jonathan Taylor currently sits as the NFL’s triple crown leader in rushing. Leading the league in carries (143), rushing yards (850), and rushing TDs (12), Taylor has entered standalone territory as the rushing pacemaker. He had the best odds among all non-QB MVP candidates according to DraftKings Sportsbook’s Week 8 betting odds, holding the T-11th-best odds at +3500. That will undoubtedly rise into the top 10 following his dominant showing against the Titans, but the climb will remain steeper than it should be, given he’s not a quarterback.
