“Everyone counted me out, but I’m here to make my own legacy. I don’t need anyone’s approval. My game speaks for itself — and if I’m not in the MVP conversation, then they’re not paying attention.”
— Jonathan Taylor silences the critics, leading the Colts to an 8-2 record and proving that even in a QB-driven league, a running back can still be the difference-maker.
The 2025 NFL season has been full of drama, but no storyline has taken the NFL by storm quite like the shocking resurgence of Jonathan Taylor. Once written off as trade bait after injuries and contract disputes, Taylor has transformed into one of the most dominant forces in the league, leading the Indianapolis Colts to an unexpected 8-2 start and making a legitimate case for MVP honors.
From Trade Bait to Franchise Savior:
Entering the 2025 season, it seemed as though Taylor’s time in Indianapolis might be coming to an end. A series of injuries and a public contract dispute had many questioning his future with the Colts, and the team even explored trade options. It seemed like a rebuilding year for Indianapolis, especially with a new quarterback, Daniel Jones, taking the reins for 2025 after rookie Anthony Richardson had faltered.
But then, Taylor silenced all doubts with a blistering start to the season. No longer the player on the trading block, he has reclaimed the form that made him a first-team All-Pro in 2021. With over 100 yards rushing in multiple games, Taylor has been the engine of the Colts’ offense, powering them to a surprise start in the AFC South. His ability to break tackles, control the clock, and change the game has made him the centerpiece of Indianapolis’ success.
Dominating the MVP Conversation:
While quarterbacks have traditionally dominated the MVP race, Jonathan Taylor is proving that running backs can still claim the crown. As the NFL continues to shift toward a pass-heavy game, Taylor’s production has forced the league to reconsider its assumptions. His numbers speak for themselves: leading the league in rushing yards and total expected points added (EPA) among running backs, Taylor is putting together a season that few thought was possible for a player at his position.
But it’s not just the stats that matter — it’s his undeniable impact on the Colts’ success. When Taylor gets at least 18 carries in a game, the Colts are undefeated. Without him, the team would likely not even be in playoff contention. His performance is directly tied to the Colts’ identity and their success. Take him out, and Indianapolis would no longer be a Super Bowl contender. This makes Taylor’s case for MVP just as strong as the top quarterbacks in the league.
A Story of Redemption and Resilience:
Jonathan Taylor’s journey is one of redemption. After being doubted, criticized, and even considered expendable, he has proven that he is still one of the most dynamic and valuable players in the NFL. His success is a testament to his perseverance and his ability to overcome adversity. With each game, Taylor is showing that greatness can come from anywhere on the field, and his comeback has been nothing short of spectacular.
As the second half of the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Taylor to see if he can maintain this historic pace and lead the Colts deep into the postseason. If he continues to perform at this level, he could very well change the way the NFL views the MVP race and prove once again that running backs still have the power to shape a team’s fate.
Jonathan Taylor isn’t just playing for the MVP — he’s playing to prove that even in a league dominated by quarterbacks, a superstar running back can still be the heart and soul of a championship-caliber team.
Look, I know that the Golden Knights are 7-4-4 entering Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders. The boys are injured, wounded, hurting, whatever you want to call it.
I also know that Bruce Cassidy has quite the reputation for, well, being a hot head. That might not deter guys like Mitch Marner from heading to Las Vegas. Still, he’s known for rubbing certain guys the wrong way.
However, it could be worse. Much worse.
The Toronto Maple Leafs media is suddenly calling for head coach Craig Berube’s head. An 8-8-1 record with 17 points has the Maple Leafs near the bottom of the Atlantic Division with the Buffalo Sabres. That’s not even mentioning that they just lost Auston Matthews to a lower-body injury. Don’t forget about the 2023 Stanley Cup that Cassidy won. That’s also important.
All of this culminates in a situation that’s more beneficial for Marner to stick around with Vegas than his boyhood team. Fans can’t forget that Marner’s on his way to becoming one of the first 100-point players in Golden Knights history. As of Thursday, he has 19 points (four goals and 15 assists) and is on pace for 104 points (22 goals and 82 assists). Imagine the chaos that would ensue if he broke the franchise mark.
As mentioned, Bruce Cassidy is well-known for having a hot temper. At one point, he was voted as one of the least desirable head coaches to play for in the NHL. But you must admit one thing about the former Bruins head coach: he wins.
In fact, he’s the winningest head coach in Golden Knights history. Cassidy boasts a record of 261-153-77 (.646 winning percentage), getting 337 points in the process. He also carries a playoff record of 24-16, making him the most successful Stanley Cup playoff head coach in franchise history.
While Berube doesn’t have the tenure that Cassidy has, it’s already looking like his Toronto stay is collapsing like the Blue Jays. A playoff record of 7-6 and a winning percentage of .631 pales in comparison to the Golden Knights’ bench boss, making Marner’s decision a no-brainer.
Heck, you can even see how Jack Eichel is doing compared to Auston Matthews and see that the Marner effect is alive and kickin’ (stats courtesy of MoneyPuck).
Player
Goals
Assists
Corsi
Fenwick
Primary Assists
Jack Eichel
8
14
55%
57%
4
Auston Matthews
9
5
51%
53%
2
While Matthews has become an independent goal-scorer, injuries and the absence of your main facilitator hurt you in many ways. Sure, Eichel hasn’t gotten as many opportunities with Marner as Matthews has. One can point to Cassidy’s endless lineup shuffles and familiarity with Berube’s system as perfect examples. However, Cassidy also has something that the Maple Leafs head coach doesn’t: a winning culture.
That’s partially why Marner left Berube’s Maple Leafs to join Cassidy’s Golden Knights. When you can leave a hawkish media that’s starved for a Stanley Cup like Homer Simpson on a hunger strike, you’ll take that chance.
With Marner, he’s already having a positive effect on the top units for Vegas. Pavel Dorofeyev has 10 goals this season, with six coming on the power play. Eichel’s trending towards 44 goals and a 100-point season himself.
Sometimes, the grass is indeed greener on the other side. That’s especially true if you’re looking to win a Stanley Cup and get past the second round. Luckily, Cassidy knows a thing or two about that. You can’t say the same thing about Craig Berube right now.