On Tuesday night, the Washington Commanders hopped on a plane to head overseas for their Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
This marks the Commanders' fourth international game, and the first time they’ve done it in back-to-back years. Historically, the Commanders have struggled in international appearances, losing twice (2011, 2025) and tying once (2016). Last year’s loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, was especially painful.
To avoid another loss on non-U.S. soil, the Commanders would love to steal Colts running back Jonathan Taylor for this game.
Taylor has been one of the league's top running backs for several years and currently ranks sixth in rushing yards (258), with four
rushing touchdowns. Only Derrick Henry and Josh Allen have more rushing touchdowns than Taylor. To reach 258 rushing yards, the Commanders need three different rushers: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and Kaytron Allen.
The Commanders are using a running-back-by-committee approach this year, as they have over the past couple of years, because they don’t have a standout back who can carry the load. It’s also why Jayden Daniels has 100 yards on the ground through 1.5 games. The only player Washington could tap to carry this team on his back is Daniels, who is sitting out with an elbow injury.
Bringing in a guy like Taylor to run the ball would give the Commanders’ offense the extra oomph it needs to move the chains. They looked better in Week 3 with Marcus Mariota under center, but still managed only 82 rushing yards against the Seattle Seahawks. That lack of a ground game will be a problem this season and will absolutely rear its head this week as the Commanders add yet another backup to their offensive line.
Right guard Sam Cosmi did not travel to London with the team as he recovers from a concussion. Laremy Tunsil was ruled out for the season, bringing Brandon Coleman up to start at left tackle alongside left guard Chris Paul. Nick Allegretti is in his first year as the primary center with mixed results, so the Commanders brought in Lucas Patrick to give it a shot. Patrick played center last week against the Seahawks, with Allegretti playing right guard in Cosmi’s place. Josh Conerly Jr. is the starter at right tackle, and he’s off to a great start this season.
All that to say, the Commanders need a better running game. Mariota does well to escape the pocket when it collapses, and without a solid ground game, he will spend the day running for his life as the Colts put serious pressure on the Commanders’ banged-up offensive line. Taylor could be the light the Commanders need to keep this team moving forward and get their second win of the season.
Alas, this is just a wish and a dream. The Commanders will have to find a way to get the ground game going with the guys that they have. If they can’t, it's going to be a long game in London, and Washington's international struggles will continue.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Gimme Him: One player the Commanders would steal from the Colts
