INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — While the national debate over who should be considered the frontrunner for 2025 NFL MVP is hotly contested, there's really only one player having a season for the ages: Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.

Each week, Taylor continues his march through the Colts' franchise record books, surpassing names such as Edgerrin James, Marshall Faulk, Eric Dickerson, and Lenny Moore, while rubbing elbows with some of the NFL's greats, such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Barry Sanders, and Jim Brown.

Last week, in front of a national television audience, as the Colts faced the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL's first-ever regular season game in Berlin, Germany, Taylor exploded for 286 yards of offense and three touchdowns, including an 83-yarder to give the Colts a lead in the fourth quarter, and the game-winning eight-yard score in overtime.

While it was Taylor's most impressive performance of the season, it was his second game this season with at least 200 scrimmage yards, and his fifth with at least three touchdowns.

Taylor's impact on the 8-2 Colts and the NFL season in general can no longer be denied, and more people are starting to jump aboard after Taylor's performance against the Falcons.

This week, two-time First-Team All-Pro and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, made his case for Taylor as the NFL's MVP.

"I just think a guy like that should win MVP this year," Surtain said of Taylor. "It's crazy to think that a guy like that, with all those numbers, all those stats, doing his thing each and every year, he should be mentioned for MVP. Obviously, QBs have won the award, justifiably so, I think they deserved it, but I think Jonathan Taylor should be more than deserving of that award."

It used to be more common for non-quarterbacks to win the official NFL MVP award, voted on via the Associated Press. However, only quarterbacks have won since 2013 (12 years). Running back Adrian Peterson was the last non-QB to win, back in 2012. Prior to that, running backs Shaun Alexander and Tomlinson won in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

"I think what makes him such a premier back in this league is his elusiveness, his ability to be a big-play threat any time he gets the ball," Surtain said. "Another part of his game — obviously, you see his breakaway speed — but people be like, 'Man, it doesn't seem like he's running that fast.' And, I'm the first here to say it, I went up against him earlier this year, and the boy can run. The boy got some wheels. I think he hit like 22 miles per hour consistently throughout his career. I mean, the boy's a baller."

Surtain and the Broncos have played Taylor and the Colts in each of the last two years, with Taylor amassing 326 yards of offense and a touchdown in the two contests.

"I think he showcased what he's able to do, helping his team win, week in and week out," Surtain continued. "I mean, obviously, you see the stats — 244 rushing yards — you don't see that at all. You don't see that quite often, and that explains his type of game, his type of pedigree.

"So, I think Jonathan Taylor should be the favorite for MVP. That's my suggestion. That's my opinion, but like I said before, everybody got they opinions. It's a subjective award, so, you know, but I think he's more than deserving of MVP as long as he keeps this run going, helping his team out."

Putting Taylor's stats up against his peers this season, there is no comparison. He is first in the NFL in the following:

• Carries (189)
• Rushing yards (1,139)
• Yards per carry (6.0)
• Yards after contact (844)
• Yards after contact per carry (4.47)
• Missed tackles forced (48)
• Runs of 10-plus yards (28)
• Rushing touchdowns (15)
• Yards from scrimmage (1,399)
• Touchdowns from scrimmage (17)
• Points scored (104)

Taylor also has the longest run of the year with last week's 83-yard touchdown.

Taylor has been elite on the ground as a runner, but he's also taken his abilities as a three-down player to the next level. According to Pro Football Focus, his 60.6 grade in pass protection is a career-high.

His 30 receptions for 260 yards and two scores through the air, are all on pace to shatter his single-season career bests in each mark.

Taylor still has seven more games to make his case for the NFL's highest single-season honor.

The Colts next play on Sunday, November 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL. 

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