Jonathan Taylor Shines: AFC Offensive Player of the Week!
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is silencing the doubters and proving he's more than just a one-trick pony. After being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week, Taylor's performance in the Colts' Week 2 victory over the Denver Broncos has put the league on notice. He racked up 165 rushing yards on 25 carries, adding 50 receiving yards and a touchdown to his impressive stat line.
Taylor's explosiveness was on full display, highlighted by a massive 68-yard run and a 43-yard reception. His 215 all-purpose yards marked the third-highest total of his career, tying Colts legend Edgerrin James for the most games with over 200 scrimmage yards in franchise history. He also became the first Colts player since Marshall Faulk in 1998 to achieve at least 150 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards in a single game.
More Than Just a Runner
While Taylor has always been known for his exceptional running ability, his development as a receiver and pass blocker has been crucial to his recent success. This season, he's proving to be a complete back, capable of contributing in all facets of the game. As middle linebacker Zaire Franklin stated, it's "ridiculous" how overlooked and disrespected Taylor is by the national media. Franklin is determined to champion his teammate's achievements.
His consistent performance, including a streak of seven consecutive games with at least 70 rushing yards (the longest active streak in the NFL), demonstrates his reliability and importance to the Colts' offense. This marks the fourth time Taylor has earned AFC Player of the Week honors, previously winning in Week 16 of 2024, Week 10 of 2022, and Week 11 of 2021.
What's Next for Taylor?
With his combination of speed, power, and versatility, Jonathan Taylor is poised to continue his dominant performance and solidify his position as one of the NFL's elite running backs. Can he maintain this level of play throughout the season? The Colts, and their fans, are certainly hoping so.