TNF Recap: Colts, Jonathan Taylor Run Away With Blowout Win Against Limping Jets, 45-30
The New York Jets pulled off a much-needed upset in Week 8 against the Bengals, but they couldn't catch a break against the Colts in Week 9's Thursday night matchup, losing 45-30. A limping Jets defense (and offense) was mercilessly handled by the Indianapolis Colts and their rushing attack, led by former Wisconsin star Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor easily evaded New York's hobbled defense line — amassing 172 yards on 19 carries. The Wisconsin product scored twice on the night: ripping off a 21-yard score in the first quarter, while putting the game midway through the third quarter with a 78-yard rushing touchdown.
Nyheim Hines contributed to the Colts rushing attack, a unit that found its groove early in the contest. Hines ran for a solid 64 yards on six carries — propelled by a 34-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Carson Wentz stayed out of the Colts' way in the win: throwing for 272 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers.
Gang Green was eager to see interim quarterback Mike White make his second career start after earning AFC Player of the Week honors against Cincinnati — finishing with 37 of 45 passes completed for 405 yards, 3 touchdowns, and one interception. That experiment was cut short this week when the quarterback exited the game in the first quarter with a forearm injury — ending the night with 7 of 11 completions, 95 passing yards and one touchdown, a 19-yard completion to Elijah Moore.
Jets fans also watched top safety Marcus Maye leave the game with an apparent Achilles injury.
Backup Josh Johnson stepped in and did a commendable job as the fill-in for White — 27-of-41, 317 yards, three touchdowns, one interception — but the comeback effort was seen as more of a glorified garbage time session in the final quarter. However, the game was more of a blowout than the 45-30 final score suggests, with the Jets scoring 20 of their points in the final 15 minutes. Prior to that, the Colts maintained a comfortable lead, 42-10, and ran away with it for the rest of the evening.
Indy stays alive in the AFC South race, inching closer to .500 with tonight's win, 4-5.
The Jets may be poised to land next year's top draft pick, heading into Week 10 with a 2-6 record, and remaining winless on the road.
Check in Friday morning to read Armando Salguero's article on Thursday night's outcome.
Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela