Jonathan Taylor wasn't singled out as a legitimate NFL MVP candidate in the literal sense, only a candidate on the Indianapolis Colts who isn't Daniel Jones, if the Colts hypothetically had a candidate. Let's get that out of the way first and foremost.
None of this is to say Taylor doesn't have any MVP-esque attributes to his game, because he certainly does. If an elite running back in today's game were to be recognized in MVP voting, of course Taylor could and should be listed with the likes of Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and Saquon Barkley.
The NFL.com's Kevin Patra was only tabbing Taylor as the Colts' non-quarterback player who could be named the league MVP in his recent list of every team's non-quarterback MVP candidates. Taylor is the obvious choice; the Colts have zero MVP-level players at this point. While Taylor is unlikely to win the league MVP, there's no question he might be the Colts MVP next season, for varying reasons.
Jonathan Taylor has been, is, and will be the Indianapolis Colts' MVP
Will the Colts have any success next season if Jones doesn't play well at quarterback? Last season's Philip Rivers experiment was enough proof that the answer to that question is no. Would the Colts be in a better position if Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard were to take over if Jones goes down again? It's not a favorable outlook.
The Colts will live or die on Jones's health and quarterback play (they may still die either way because making the playoffs is a long shot), which argues for him to be the Colts' most valuable player next season. That said, there is also an argument that places Taylor in the team MVP consideration regardless of Jones's play.
Taylor has been the Colts' most valuable and important player essentially since entering the league, and for good reason. According to Patra, the Colts have relied on Taylor's shoulders, and they're likely going to again next season, which is why Patra tabbed Taylor as the Colts' MVP candidate.
"An every-down workhorse with explosive potential, the only question I have about Taylor is whether back-to-back seasons with 300-plus carries will sneak up on him or force the club to siphon off some of his totes as the season wears on," wrote Patra. "Regardless, if the Colts are to rebound from last year’s collapse, it’ll be on the strength of their Pro Bowl RB."
Taylor ranked third in rushing yards last season (1,585), first in carries (323), first in touchdowns (18), and top-10 in both 20+ and 40+ yard rushes. It should be no surprise if Taylor reaches those types of numbers again next season. At the same time, it may be wise for the Colts to lower his carries.
Patra is right to question Taylor's ability to pull off back-to-back 300+ carries seasons (Henry was the last to do it, logging 378 carries in 2019 and 303 carries in 2020). It will depend on how well the Colts' passing attack goes, which puts pressure on Jones and Alec Pierce to perform well together.
At the end of the day, Taylor will be at the top of the Colts' MVP consideration no matter what. For their sakes, let's hope his shoulders are reading and willing.
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