NFL
Is Colts back Jonathan Taylor a candidate for NFL MVP?
Jonathan Taylor did something only five other running backs have managed in the past 30 seasons, and the Colts feel he's worthy of MVP buzz.
The Indianapolis Colts appear in no doubt Jonathan Taylor deserves to be in the MVP discussion after his stunning five-touchdown performance against the Buffalo Bills.
Indianapolis' star running back produced an astonishing display to power the Colts to a stunning 41-15 road win at Orchard Park.
Taylor carried the ball 32 times for 185 yards and four touchdowns and also hauled in a 23-yard touchdown pass.
Colts' Taylor leads NFL in touchdowns and rushing yards
It improved the Colts to 6-5 as they eye a Wild Card berth in the AFC and propelled Taylor to the NFL lead in overall touchdowns with 15.
Taylor is also the league leader in rushing yards with 1,122 and, with no quarterback really separating themselves in the MVP discussion, his team-mates believe he should be a part of the conversation.
Linebacker Darius Leonard voiced his support for Taylor's MVP case on Twitter while fellow running back Nyheim Hines said: "He's sending a message to the league.
"It's been amazing watching him play. Great to watch him finish runs and make people miss. He's a complete back ...
"If there's any skill position [for MVP], Jonathan Taylor needs to be in it. Him and [Los Angeles Rams receiver] Cooper Kupp. JT is the first in line for a non-quarterback player."
Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was also effusive in his praise.
"You get a sense of his confidence," said Wentz. "But you never know if you walk right by him in the locker room, in the grocery store or whatever.
"He's a low-key guy. He knows what he can do. He's confident. ... The game he had, honestly, doesn't surprise me anymore because every single week he shows up and shows out."
Taylor became the sixth running back with five touchdowns in a game in the past 30 seasons.
Were he to win MVP, he would become the first non-quarterback to do so since Adrian Peterson in 2012.