Colts Beat Commanders 30-13 in NFL London Game

Jonathan Taylor Leads Indianapolis to Victory

The Indianapolis Colts made the most of their trip across the Atlantic, defeating the Washington Commanders 30-13 on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the NFL’s London Games. Jonathan Taylor rushed for two touchdowns and 95 yards on 20 carries, while quarterback Daniel Jones added a rushing score as the Colts improved to 2-2 with their second consecutive victory. Washington, meanwhile, dropped to 1-3 after losing another quarterback to injury.

Jonathan Taylor Sets the Tone

Taylor provided Indianapolis with a consistent presence throughout the game, scoring twice on 5-yard touchdown runs. He also revealed a small part of his pregame routine after the game, saying he enjoyed some tea at dinner on the eve of the matchup.

After one of his touchdown runs, Taylor mimicked drinking tea as part of his celebration. The Colts led 10-6 at halftime after Taylor’s first touchdown and Spencer Shrader’s 48-yard field goal. Shrader finished with three field goals, including a 44-yarder that extended Indianapolis’ lead to 30-13.

Washington Loses Another Quarterback

The Commanders entered the game with Marcus Mariota starting in place of Jayden Daniels, but Washington’s quarterback situation took another difficult turn. Mariota left after Washington’s second drive after being sacked and did not return. Coach Dan Quinn said it appeared Mariota suffered an MCL injury, leaving his timetable for a return uncertain.

Third-string rookie Athan Kaliakmanis was forced into action and eventually threw his first NFL touchdown pass. He connected with Treylon Burks on a 47-yard touchdown in the third quarter, cutting Indianapolis’ lead to 17-13. Burks got behind cornerback Sauce Gardner and found room downfield before hauling in the deep pass from Kaliakmanis.

Colts Take Control After Washington Turnover

Kaliakmanis initially struggled after entering the game, throwing an interception early in the third quarter that the Colts quickly turned into points. Linebacker Jaylon Carlies intercepted Kaliakmanis at the Washington 27-yard line and returned the ball to the 20. Taylor then scored his second 5-yard touchdown of the afternoon to push Indianapolis’ advantage to 17-6.

Washington responded with the Burks touchdown, but the Colts regained control. Shrader connected on a 52-yard field goal before Jones added a 4-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Shrader later hit from 44 yards for his third field goal of the game, putting Indianapolis comfortably ahead at 30-13.

Daniel Jones Overcomes Two Turnovers

Jones completed 19 of 34 passes for 143 yards with an interception and a fumble, but his legs helped the Colts maintain control in the second half. His fumble came on Indianapolis’ opening drive when Washington defensive end Odafe Oweh drove Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann backward into Jones. Oweh recovered the loose ball at the Indianapolis 21-yard line.

Washington had an opportunity to capitalize but settled for a 31-yard Drew Stevens field goal after failing to convert fourth-and-2 from the Colts’ 13-yard line. The Commanders again reached the red zone on their next possession but stalled at the Indianapolis 5. On third down, Mariota was sacked at the 11-yard line by Adetomiwa Adebawore and Laiatu Latu. Mariota walked gingerly to the sideline and did not return. Washington finished with two field goals from Stevens before the Colts gradually pulled away.

London Crowd Watches Another NFL Showcase

A crowd of 60,907 attended the 13th NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The stadium, which opened in 2019, features a retractable soccer pitch that allows an NFL field to be installed underneath.

The attendance remained above 60,000 despite the league recently reducing remaining ticket prices to 79 pounds, or approximately $105, including some higher-end seats. Kickoff temperatures were around 70 degrees Fahrenheit as the Colts and Commanders continued the NFL’s growing international schedule in London.

What’s Next for the Colts and Commanders?

The Colts return to the United States with a 2-2 record and will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday. The Commanders will return home at 1-3 and host the New York Giants next Sunday as they await more information on Mariota’s injury and the status of their quarterback room.