Colts: Philip Rivers makes brutal tackle attempt on Jonathan Taylor’s first fumble

Colts QB Philip Rivers did not exactly end up looking rosy after attempting to prevent a Ravens TD in the wake of a Jonathan Taylor fumble.

After seven spotless games, Colts rookie running back Jonathan Taylor’s fumble issues finally hit primetime against the Ravens on Sunday afternoon.

Nursing a 7-0 lead following a dominant drive featuring a Taylor touchdown, Indy parlayed excellent field position into a bungled effort, with the ex-Badger’s first ever fumble at the NFL level ruining the progress of another solid set of downs.

Unfortunately, Taylor became known for such things at the collegiate level, but had shrugged off the impulse before meeting Baltimore’s intense defense.

This play featured two depressing segments: the dropsies, and the flailing aftermath.

Because Philip Rivers got involved in the play eventually, too, very much not in the way in which he would’ve liked to be.

The veteran QB ended up as the last line of defense against six points, and flailed significantly in his final attempt to corral the ball-carrier. Not great. Not one for the highlight reel.

Yeesh.

Taylor’s lack of ball control was more upsetting, but unfortunately Rivers rolling around the ground will be the more enduring image of this play. After all, you can coach up a running back to have better hands (and it appears the Colts have done so, since this is fumble numero uno!), but you can’t easily fix a QB’s momentum once he’s been flung to the floor.

Yes, the turf monster got Philip Rivers here. And then he very much got him again.

All you can do is put on a brave face and hope the defense, led by Darius Leonard, continues to look special against Lamar Jackson, allowing Rivers to (pun intended) regain his footing. This was a back-half of the first quarter to forget for many reasons, and Rivers’ roll embodied the disaster perfectly.

Here’s why it could be good if Colts remove Jonathan Taylor as the starter

The Indianapolis Colts could actually stand to benefit themselves and Jonathan Taylor if the rookie is removed from the starting role.