Since 2012, only one running back has won the prestigious NFL MVP award. But there's a still chance the long-established streak of quarterbacks taking home the hardware could be snapped this year, based on Jonathan Taylor's staggering numbers.
In the Indianapolis Colts' statement victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday, Taylor was invulnerable against Bill Belichick's defensive gameplan, as he rushed for 170 yards on 29 carries. The second-year star also delivered the knock-out punch late in the fourth quarter, scoring a 67-yard touchdown. Through 14 games, Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,518), scores (17), and carries of 20-plus yards (11).
"I don't know what Jonathan Taylor has to do to come away with the award," JR said during Tuesday's edition of the JR SportBrief show. "I don't believe 2,000 yards is enough. He's going to need some big showings against the Cardinals, Raiders, and then the Jaguars. He's going to have to light up the entire league over the next three weeks to secure the MVP...
"His career as a running back is just getting started. The Colts are surging, and Taylor is surging. He might be on his way to 2,000 rushing yards this season, and the Colts certainly look like they're going to the playoffs. Do you believe Taylor is going to be able to secure the MVP? I think he can. But if you were to ask me to pick and choose, I still think Tom Brady is in the lead."
On Monday, the NFL revealed that Taylor earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career. The 22-year-old has been a breakout superstar this season, and against the Patriots, he earned his 11th consecutive game with a rushing touchdown, the longest streak since Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson went for 18 straight from 2004-05.
Indianapolis (8-6), which sits in second place in the AFC South and owns the fifth playoff seed, will visit the Arizona Cardinals (10-4) in a marquee Week 16 matchup on Christmas night. According to FiveThirtyEight, the Colts currently have an 89-percent chance to reach the playoffs, and a 16-percent chance to win the division.
JR's complete thoughts on Taylor and the NFL MVP race can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the JR SportBrief show on Twitter @JRSportBrief and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.