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Jonathan Taylor Brings the Ground Game to London

Jonathan Taylor Brings the Ground Game to London
Player image: LitZone Sports

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host a Week 4 race between two 1–2 teams trying to turn close calls into a real season surge. The Washington Commanders arrive after a thrilling 33–31 win over Seattle, while the…

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host a Week 4 race between two 1–2 teams trying to turn close calls into a real season surge. The Washington Commanders arrive after a thrilling 33–31 win over Seattle, while the Indianapolis Colts just held off Houston 19–17. Now the NFL’s London stage gives both clubs a chance to build a winning streak.

The biggest question follows Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. He is listed as questionable with an elbow injury after taking limited practice work, but his rare mix of speed and passing skill can change a game in a flash. In two games, Daniels has rushed for 100 yards, showing why defenders cannot focus only on his arm. When a defense drops back to cover his receivers, he can dart through an open lane. When defenders crowd near the line, he can look for Terry McLaurin downfield.

McLaurin gives Washington a tough, trusted target on the outside. His 10 catches have helped the Commanders score 25 points per game, slightly more than Indianapolis. Running back Rachaad White, who is also questionable with a shoulder injury, adds another useful piece because he can catch short passes as well as run. If White cannot go at full speed, Jacory Croskey-Merritt could have a bigger chance to support Daniels.

But Washington’s offense faces a difficult assignment without guard Sam Cosmi and tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is on injured reserve. Those absences put more pressure on the blockers who remain. Colts pass rusher Laiatu Latu is questionable with a chest injury, yet Indianapolis will want to make Daniels uncomfortable and force hurried throws.

Then comes Jonathan Taylor, the powerful engine of the Colts offense. Taylor already has 258 rushing yards and four touchdowns in three games. He runs with enough strength to push through crowded spaces, but he also has the burst to race into the open field. The Commanders have allowed 132 rushing yards per game, so stopping Taylor is their first London mission.

Indianapolis can also lean on tight end Tyler Warren, who has caught 18 passes and scored twice. Warren works the middle of the field, where he can give quarterback Daniel Jones a dependable answer against pressure. The Colts will have to adjust without wide receiver Alec Pierce, who is on injured reserve, making Warren’s steady hands even more important.

Neither defense has started smoothly. Washington has allowed 30.7 points per game, while Indianapolis has given up 30.3. That means the team that protects the ball and finishes drives could take control. Washington has created more takeaways so far, while the Colts have lost the ball too often. Still, Washington enters with several key defenders hurt or questionable, including safety Nick Cross, who is out.

Prediction: The Colts win behind Taylor’s running and Warren’s reliable catches. Indianapolis has its own problems, but Washington’s injuries along the offensive line and in the secondary may be too much to overcome across the Atlantic.