MVP of the Game: Jonathan Taylor
Pure dominance by Jonathan Taylor. This dude has definitely turned the corner on what was starting to look like a tough rookie season. Taylor had been on fire over the last couple of weeks, as he won the MVP award several times in the last 6 games. None of those performances compare to what we saw yesterday. 30 carries for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns.
I have been a Colts fan for over 9 years now and I cannot remember such a dominant performance on the ground. Just imagine what he will be able to do next year, with a proper training camp under his belt and more experience against NFL defenses. This dude has all the traits to be special.
Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Xavier Rhodes
This could have also gone to Rodrigo Blankenship, whose inability to kick a ball beyond 48 yards is worrying, but it goes to Xavier Rhodes, who had a tough ending to the season. Rhodes looked lost on several plays and actually was to blame on the second Jaguars’ touchdown. He will need to get these issues fixed as soon as possible, as a matchup with Stefon Diggs looms large on the horizon.
Play of the Game: Jonathan Taylor 45-yard TD to seal the game
That juke, in such a small space, against a really good linebacker, and the acceleration down the line to cap off an amazing game and get the Colts into the playoffs. He stuck a dagger into an opponent that was trying to establish some momentum and was just 6 points away from getting the comeback. This kid is special.
Worst Play of the Game: Soft zone defense allowing the Jags to score before the half
I absolutely hate the Colts’ defense to end the first half. This has not been the first time where Eberflus’ soft zones and conservative prevent defense gets absolutely picked apart, and the opposing offense gets some free points before the half. Being up 20-0, and facing Mike Glennon, without his best two weapons, you never get conservative. Honestly, Eberflus’ defense has some rather serious flaws, and it is worrying. The upcoming game against a red-hot offense will be the perfect test to see whether he is legit, or was just carried by a lot of talent and an easy schedule.
Best Position Group: Running backs
Once again, the running backs are by far the best position group. Not only did JT have a franchise record-breaking day, but Hines was his usual solid complement. Nyheim finished the day with 6 catches for 50 yards, meaning the Colts running backs accounted for over 300 yards from scrimmage.
Unsung Hero: Mark Glowinski/Jack Doyle
After being considered the weak link in the offensive line last season, Glowinski has taken a massive step forward this season. What is really great about him is that he is the only Colt to have played all 100% of the offensive snaps. As for Jack Doyle, I was giving him plenty of crap at the beginning of the year, but he has managed to turn it around and has been playing some really solid ball as of late.
Rookie of the Week: Jonathan Taylor
Not only does Taylor get ROTW award here, but he should also win OROY. After yesterday’s game, he clearly has surpassed James Robinson, but he deserves it over Justin Herbert or Justin Jefferson. Herbert has been excellent, but a 5-9 record as a starter is not good, while Jefferson also had a spectacular rookie season, but over the past couple of weeks he was outshined by JT. However, the NFL is a quarterback centered league, and most likely the award will go to Herbert to further the narrative of a young hotshot quarterback in LA, it will not go to a blue-collar running back that plays in Indianapolis.
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