Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor not only physically carried the Colts back into playoff contention but he also made his case for a potential MVP candidate. Taylor single-handedly destroyed the Buffalo Bills and exposed the number one ranked defense going into week 11.
According to ESPN the player achieved an impressive feat by running the ball for a career high 32 carries and gaining a total of 185 yards. In addition. By scoring five touchdowns. He has achieved another remarkable feat and joined the ranks of only 17 other players in the history of the NFL who have accomplished this incredible milestone. Taylor rushed for four touchdowns and received a touchdown, as well, helped defeat the Bills, 41-15.
Jonathan Taylor = MVP? @JayT23 | @Colts | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/SsJ38QMnPS
— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2021
“He’s making a statement to the league,” said Colts running back Nyheim Hines. “It’s been incredible watching him play. He’s impressive in finishing runs and eluding defenders. He’s a versatile running back… If we’re talking about the MVP race for skill positions, Jonathan Taylor and Cooper Kupp should be at the forefront. JT is the top choice among non-quarterback players.”
The 185 yards have officially moved Taylor to the top of the NFL’s rushing leaderboard in front of current injured Derrick Henry. At the rate, Taylor is performing. He may remain on the top for some time, especially with the possibility of Henry being out of the rest of the year with a foot injury.
Indianapolis Colts Taylor Continues to Create Milestones
Taylor is the third-youngest player to have five touchdowns in a game and the third to get all five in just three quarters, per ESPN.
“You get a sense of his confidence,” Colts quarterback Carson Wentz said. “But you never know if you walk right by him in the locker room, in the grocery store, or whatever. He’s a low-key guy. He knows what he can do. He’s confident. … The game he had [Sunday], honestly, doesn’t surprise me anymore because every single week he shows up and shows out.”
Taylor is the best running back throughout Colt’s entire franchise since Hall of Famer Edgerrin James. He’s taken a load off Wentz’s shoulders with his ability to play make in the passing game in the open field, as well as, in between the tackles within the run game. He is the eight-player since 1950 with 1,200 scrimmage yards in an eight-game span, according to ESPN.
“We hope to gradually increase the workload, just like in track and field,” said Reich last week. “Really have a second half of the year that’s stronger and faster than the first half of the year. That would be the goal.”
