Zack Moss stole the spotlight for the Indianapolis Colts with a standout performance, while Jonathan Taylor secured his future with the team by signing a lucrative three-year extension. This Sunday clash against the Tennessee Titans will undoubtedly go down in Colts history as a defining moment for both players.
Moss, in a display of sheer brilliance, rushed 23 times for an impressive 165 yards and notched two crucial touchdowns. His second touchdown, a 3-yard run with eight minutes left in the third quarter, turned the tide in favor of the Colts, sealing a 23-16 victory. This victory improved the Colts’ record to 3-2, putting them in a tie for first place in the AFC South alongside the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The game wasn’t without its challenges, as starting quarterback Anthony Richardson exited the field with an injury in the first half. Gardner Minshew stepped up and completed 11 of 14 passes for 155 yards, ensuring the Colts’ offense continued to thrive.
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On the opposing side, Tennessee’s Ryan Tannehill completed 23 of 34 passes for 264 yards, with standout receiver DeAndre Hopkins contributing eight receptions for 140 yards. However, it was Julian Blackmon’s interception in the final seconds that sealed the Colts’ victory.
Zack Moss’s standout performance may have stolen the show, but it was Jonathan Taylor’s off-field decision that made headlines across the NFL. After a contentious contract dispute, Taylor and the Colts reached an agreement on a three-year, $42 million extension, with a substantial $26.5 million guaranteed.
This extension marked a significant change in direction for the Colts, as team owner Jim Irsay initially stated that Taylor’s contract would not be extended before the start of the 2023 season. The deal now places Taylor among the highest-paid running backs in the league, alongside stars like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, and Nick Chubb, all earning at least $12.2 million annually.
Taylor’s extension has ripple effects, as it sets a new benchmark for the upcoming contract negotiations of other notable running backs, including Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Austin Ekeler, all slated to be free agents next offseason.
Saturday’s announcement came on the heels of Taylor’s return from the physically unable to perform list, making him eligible to play against the Tennessee Titans. Though still listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, Taylor’s presence on the field is eagerly awaited by Colts fans.
Jonathan Taylor’s on-field prowess is undeniable, having rushed for over 1,100 yards as a rookie and clinching the league’s rushing title in 2021 with a franchise-record 1,811 yards. Despite the contract dispute, both Taylor and the Colts expressed their desire to continue their partnership.
