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The Indianapolis Colts returned in Week 1 against the Houston Texans on Sunday, scoring 17 points to force overtime in the fourth quarter.
But both the teams were tied.
Running back star Jonathan Taylor for the Colts ran for 161 yards on 31 carries and a touchdown to bring the game within seven points with 7:42 in the game.
Taylor told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that he is finding the bright side in the tie, although it was not the result he or his teammates wanted the first game of the season.
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Houston Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey (58) reaches for the Indianapolis Colts, trailing Jonathan Taylor, during the second half of a game in Houston on September 11, 2022.
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
“It was something I talked to some teammates about. It’s like, ‘Okay, it’s going to be a tie.’ There’s no double overtime, right? They’re like, ‘No, we’re going to tie up with them,'” Taylor explained. “An example was given to me from a teammate, last year the Steelers were able to enter the playoffs because of a tie. So, you know, you think it’s a loss. But that’s when they start explaining it to you. Let’s see how relationships really work at the end of the year comes into play.
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“This is my first tie I’ve experienced. We’ll see how it pans out at the end of the season, but we’ll have to focus on what’s coming next week.”
When asked whether new overtime rules for the regular season or a USFL-style shootout to determine the winner should also be considered, Taylor told Fox News Digital that he was intrigued by the idea.
Jonathan Taylor (28) running back the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball in the first quarter against the Houston Texans on September 11, 2022 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
(Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“It can be really cool because now you have something that you don’t know whether it can affect you positively or negatively,” he said. “And, of course, we know that at the end of the day it’s up to us, the teams on the field, to win. But you only have one thing that stays the whole season, and you don’t know. How will it affect you?”
The Colts made their Matt Ryan debut in the Week 1 contest against the Texans. Ryan was acquired in the offseason from the Atlanta Falcons and was the third starting quarterback Taylor has played to begin a regular season since entering the league in 2020.
Phillip Rivers was the starter in 2020 when Taylor was a rookie, and the team acquired Carson Wentz for Taylor’s sophomore season.
“The one thing I’ve been able to take away from each and every one of those guys is how mentally prepared they are,” Taylor told Fox News Digital. “Do you want to learn how to mentally prepare for an opponent? You need to see and see and hear how quarterbacks prepare for the game.
The Indianapolis Colts beat Jonathan Taylor (28) to the hard-arms Houston Texans’ defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) during the first half of September 11, 2022 in Houston.
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
“A lot of guys, they prepare physically. They’ll see them and they’ll have a definite look that they need to prepare. But, if you want a full, mental kind of preparation for a game, quarterback, then They make a tremendous amount of study. And that’s something I’ve learned from Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and, now, how dedicated Matt Ryan is to the mental aspect of the game. I feel like that’s what his game and everyone else’s are up to. Prepares the game for another level.”
Taylor entered his third season for two consecutive seasons with 1,100 or more rushing yards and 10 or more touchdowns. Not only with the Colts, but their value in the world of fantasy football is increasing.
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NFL fans infamously ask players to hit a certain point allocation for them during the week. While some aren’t here for any kind of fantasy football talk, Taylor welcomes it.
“I didn’t know fantasy football was so big until I actually got into the NFL,” he told Fox News Digital. “I knew it was a big deal, but I didn’t know how big it was until I actually entered the NFL. You appreciate it because the fans, their group, and their family members are That they’re in a league with. And they want to win so badly, and they count on you to make the win for them.
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts to a two-point conversion against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the closing minutes of the second half of a September 11, 2022 game in Landover, MD.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
“It’s actually a little humbling to feel like these guys want to kill their friends, their family members so bad, and they’re entrusting me to help them defeat them.”
Taylor continues her partnership with Campbell’s Chunky and will donate Food for Every Yard this season through the company’s charitable program. Last year, he ran 1,811 yards—that’s a lot of food.
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Fox News Digital asked Taylor what fans can expect from her and the Colts this season.
“I can tell them to expect a team that’s going to fight until the clock is zero. As long as there’s a second on the clock, the Indianapolis Colts have a chance to come out with a win. Plus, preparation is on our way.” A week to pass is going to be second to none. We will be there ready and ready to go every single week. We need you guys every Sunday at Lucas Oil (stadium) to feed that energy Because we enjoy it, and we love it.”
The Colts travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
