LAS VEGAS -- The Indianapolis Colts star running back knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight. Jonathan Taylor said Thursday he recognizes the scrutiny Las Vegas Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty has faced as the two prepare to meet Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Indianapolis Colts (3-1) host the Raiders (1-3).
Taylor leads the NFL with 414 rushing yards on 77 carries this season, according to ESPN. He also has three touchdowns and a 5.4-yard average. Jeanty, meanwhile, is fresh off his breakout game against the Chicago Bears, where he ran for 138 yards and three scores, becoming only the fourth Raiders rookie to reach that mark, joining Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, and Napoleon Kaufman.
Taylor said he sees himself in the young back.
“He was plastered all over the TV coming out,” Taylor said. “He was breaking multiple tackles every week... Kind of reminded me [of] back in high school. Going to a small high school, and they're getting recruited, they're like, ‘Well, who is he playing against?’ It’s like, well, what do you want him to do? He’s dominating his opponent. I saw that he kind of got going a little bit more last week, which is awesome, and it’s going to take time. Time is going to tell you to get better.”
Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Jeanty is now showing his full ability.
“He showed you that he can smoke it from anywhere on the field,” Carroll said. “He's rewarded by all of the patience that he's demonstrated… very levelheaded… but just as much as anybody he wanted to kick butt too.”
Both backs share physical traits that make them hard to tackle. Taylor pointed out Jeanty’s low, “Michael Myers stance,” comparing it to what Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb used during their prime. Carroll warned his defense to prepare for Taylor with the same respect.
“You can’t assume that he’s down, you can’t assume you make a good hit on the guy,” he said. “He keeps going just like what Ashton does. And he’s leading the NFL in rushing right now.”
The Colts’ offense runs through Taylor and their strong line, which sets up play-action for QB Daniel Jones. Raiders analyst James Jones said the defense’s only chance is to “get off the bus and you got to stop 28 and that’s Jonathan Taylor.”
Raiders linebackers, including Elandon Roberts, are focusing on staying disciplined against fakes. The defense ranks tied for second in the NFL in tackles for loss, and the Rams recently held Taylor to 76 yards. If the Raiders can limit Taylor again, Maxx Crosby could pressure Jones and force mistakes.
For the Raiders, the path to an upset lies in avoiding turnovers and capitalizing on Indianapolis’ last-ranked red zone defense. Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns has been the difference in their three losses. With their season already slipping, Sunday offers a chance to salvage momentum in a high-stakes AFC matchup.