INDIANAPOLIS — Jonathan Taylor took control of the game on Sunday, making sure to secure the football every time he approached the end zone. After an embarrassing moment the previous week in Denver where he dropped the ball before scoring, Taylor demonstrated that he had learned from that experience, rushing for 218 yards and scoring three touchdowns, leading the Indianapolis Colts to a 38-30 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
“Like I said, that was something that never happened before and would never happen again,” Taylor reflected, vowing to push through the end zone after last week’s blunder. His first score, a remarkable 65-yard run, brought to mind the explosive plays of former Raiders star Bo Jackson, simultaneously helping him erase the disappointment of his previous game.
The track record continued as Taylor broke off a 70-yard touchdown run right at the start of the second half, this time maneuvering the ball securely through the end zone and capping off his impressive day with a one-yard plunge for a touchdown. With 29 carries, he achieved the second-highest single-game rushing total in the NFL this season and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, a milestone he hadn’t reached since claiming the NFL rushing title in 2021.
Anthony Richardson also made an impact, rushing for 70 yards and adding one touchdown to the team’s record-setting day, as the Colts amassed 335 rushing yards—breaking a franchise record set back in 1956. Richardson’s sixth rushing touchdown of the season set a new franchise record for a quarterback’s rushing scores, showcasing his versatility, especially as he completed only 11 passes during the game.
Coach Shane Steichen shared his excitement about the performance, stating, “You want to be able to run it every game, but, obviously, it was going good today and guys were popping it. Single-game franchise record? Incredible. It’s fun to watch.”
In contrast, the Titans were left grappling with yet another disappointing chapter in their ongoing difficult season. Their fourth consecutive loss was marred by three additional turnovers, further tarnishing what had mostly been a stalwart defense. In recent games, two of their last four opponents have surpassed 200 rushing yards against them, with this game marking the highest total of rushing yards allowed by the franchise since relocating from Houston to Nashville in the late 1990s.
“The speed of Jonathan Taylor showed up and we couldn’t get him on the ground,” Titans coach Brian Callahan admitted. “He had a couple of explosive runs, and sometimes that’s all it takes.”
The Titans made a quarterback switch from Will Levis to Mason Rudolph, but that did little to change their fortunes. Rudolph completed 23 of 34 passes for 252 yards, with two touchdown passes but three interceptions. He helped Tennessee score the final 23 points of the game, closing the gap after falling behind 38-7. However, a second interception by Kenny Moore II, just as time expired, sealed the game’s outcome.
The game quickly slipped away from Tennessee after Rudolph launched a perfect 38-yard touchdown pass. They were then unable to convert a 53-yard field goal attempt, allowing Richardson to score a 5-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter and tie the game. Soon after, Taylor’s 65-yard run positioned the Colts for a field goal, and Richardson’s 27-yard touchdown pass just before halftime further extended Indy’s lead to 24-7.
For added frustration, Taylor unleashed another explosive play with a 70-yard touchdown run, appearing untouchable as he protected the football with both hands. His one-yard touchdown run made it 38-7 in the third quarter, and the Titans found themselves in a relentless chase for the rest of the game.
“You get excited, sometimes maybe a little too excited, when you see that (open field),” Taylor joked, reflecting on his mindset during those crucial runs.
As for injuries, the Titans were without kicker Nick Folk due to an abdominal issue, while defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat returned after an eye injury. However, right guard Dillon Radunz has a shoulder injury, and linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. is facing a troubling wrist injury prognosis. Updates on linebacker Otis Reed IV and safety Amani Hooker are still pending.
On the Colts’ side, Pro Bowl left guard Quenton Nelson left the game due to an ankle injury but returned for the last drive. Cornerback Jaylon Jones and defensive back Tre Flowers did not return after leaving with injuries, while wide receiver Alec Pierce and linebacker E.J. Speed were inactive for the game.
Looking ahead, the Titans are set to finish their road schedule in Jacksonville next Sunday, while the Colts will head to New York to face the Giants on the same day.