In the modern NFL, running backs don't win the MVP.
Jonathan Taylor is trying to change that.
The Indianapolis Colts' RB was brilliant yet again Sunday, running for 153 yards and two touchdowns while catching another TD.
That included an 80-yard touchdown run on another statement day for the surprise Colts, who have certainly gotten the best version of Daniel Jones but even more so unlocked the best version of Taylor.
But there's some history working against him.
MORE: The Bills finally let James Cook cook, and that's all it took for a turnaround
When's the last time an RB was NFL MVP?
The last running back to win NFL MVP was in 2012.
That's when Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson won the award.
MORE: Jets' Aaron Glenn made a pair of brilliant 2-point conversion decisions
Why Jonathan Taylor can win MVP
Taylor is just off the pace Saquon Barkley set last season, when the Eagles star topped 2,000 yards and still didn't win MVP behind Josh Allen.
But Taylor can make a case in a slightly down year for QBs.
"Taylor is on pace for more than 1,800 rushing yards, and with notable injuries to quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, there are fewer candidates at that position that normal," ESPN's Stephen Holder writes. "As Taylor leads the NFL's top offense, he seems to be making a pretty strong bid."
Taylor will have to keep this up, of course.
But if he stays this special and the Colts stay one of the league's best teams, he'll have a chance.
More NFL news:
- Why the Saints benched Spencer Rattler for Tyler Shough
- Jordan Love played the most spotless QB game in NFL history
- Tyler Huntley saved Baltimore's season
- Joe Flacco just did something he hasn't done since 2017 with Ravens
- Cam Skattebo injury came on what looked like an illegal hip-drop tackle
- Saquon Barkley ties Adrian Peterson in the NFL record books