Jonathan Taylor delivered a standout performance, crossing the end zone twice as the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Washington Commanders 30-13 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, kicking off this year’s triple‑header of NFL International Series games in London. The opening quarter belonged to Washington, which managed to restrict the Colts’ offense to a mere 20 yards and seized an early 6-0 advantage. The Commanders’ defense applied relentless pressure, forcing Indianapolis into a series of short gains and a turnover that allowed Washington to convert a field goal after a fumble recovery at the 20‑yard line. A pivotal moment arrived when the Commanders’ starting quarterback, Marcus Mariota, suffered a knee injury after being sacked on the play preceding Washington’s second field‑goal attempt.
With Mariota sidelined, the team turned to third‑string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh‑round pick (223rd overall) from the 2026 NFL Draft. Kaliakmanis, though talented, struggled to find his rhythm in his debut, and his inexperience was evident as he threw an early interception that set up Taylor’s first touchdown. Despite a flash of brilliance—a 47‑yard deep‑ball touchdown pass to Treylon Burks that marked his first NFL score—Kaliakmanis could not sustain the momentum needed to overcome the Colts.
The Colts, led by veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, rebounded quickly after the early setback. Jones, who had two turnovers in the first half, found his footing in the second quarter.
A crucial fourth‑down decision by Washington to go for it from their own 46‑yard line backfired, giving Indianapolis prime field position. Taylor seized the opportunity, sprinting into the end zone for a short touchdown that put the Colts ahead. Spencer Shrader added a field goal, extending the lead to ten points before halftime. Taylor celebrated his first score with a playful tea‑drinking gesture that delighted the crowd.
In the third quarter, Kaliakmanis attempted to rally his team, delivering a spectacular 47‑yard touchdown pass to Burks, who outran the league’s top cornerback Sauce Gardner on the left sideline. The play narrowed the deficit to 17-6, but the Colts responded decisively. Taylor capped a five‑yard run with his second touchdown, pushing the score to 24-6 and effectively sealing the game. Early in the fourth quarter, Jones broke free for a four‑yard rushing touchdown, further widening the gap.
Spencer Shrader contributed two more field goals—one before and one after Jones’s run—solidifying Indianapolis’ dominance. The final whistle confirmed a 30-13 victory, marking the Colts’ second win of the season and improving their record to 2-2. Beyond the on‑field action, the game highlighted the growing significance of the NFL’s international outreach.
The next London matchup will feature the Philadelphia Eagles against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while a week later the Houston Texans will host the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 18. These events underscore the league’s commitment to expanding its global fan base and delivering high‑stakes football to new audiences. For viewers seeking to follow the 2026 NFL season, Sky Sports offers live coverage of every game, including the playoffs and the upcoming Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. Fans can also explore flexible streaming options through NOW, with no‑contract plans and exclusive deals designed to make the sport more accessible.
Overall, the Colts’ performance in London demonstrated resilience and depth. Despite early adversity and turnovers, Indianapolis capitalized on Washington’s injuries and strategic missteps, showcasing a balanced attack that combined powerful rushing from Taylor with timely passing from Jones. The Commanders, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address the quarterback situation as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
The London International Series continues to provide a thrilling backdrop for the NFL’s expanding narrative, blending competitive football with the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world’s most iconic cities.