Jonathan Taylor delivered a standout performance, crossing the end zone twice as the Indianapolis Colts routed the Washington Commanders 30-13 at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, kicking off the year’s trio of NFL International Series matchups. The game began with Washington asserting early control, stifling the Colts’ offense to a meager 20 total yards in the opening quarter and taking a 6-0 lead after a field goal. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when the Commanders’ starting quarterback, Marcus Mariota, suffered a knee injury after being sacked on the play that preceded Washington’s second field goal. With Mariota out, the team turned to third‑string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh‑round draft pick (223rd overall) from the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although Kaliakmanis showed flashes of potential, including a spectacular 47‑yard deep‑ball touchdown pass to Treylon Burks—his first NFL touchdown—he was unable to sustain a comeback. The Colts’ own quarterback, Daniel Jones, experienced a shaky start, committing two turnovers in the first half, one of which came when he was inadvertently tripped by a teammate, leading to a Washington field goal after Odafe Oweh recovered the fumble at the 20‑yard line.
Despite these early setbacks, Jones found his rhythm later in the game. In the fourth quarter, he broke free for a rushing touchdown, extending Indianapolis’ lead to two scores and effectively sealing the outcome. A pivotal moment arrived when Washington elected to go for it on fourth down from its own 46‑yard line. The decision backfired, granting the Colts favorable field position and setting the stage for Taylor’s first touchdown run, which put Indianapolis ahead.
Spencer Shrader contributed three field goals, further widening the gap before halftime. Taylor celebrated his first score with a playful tea‑drinking gesture in the end zone, a nod to the British setting of the game. In the third quarter, Kaliakmanis threw an interception that allowed Taylor to add a second, five‑yard rushing touchdown, pushing the score to 17-6.
Although Kaliakmanis rebounded by delivering a dazzling 47‑yard touchdown pass to Burks—who out‑maneuvered star cornerback Sauce Gardner—Washington could not close the deficit. The Colts responded with additional field goals from Shrader and a four‑yard rushing touchdown by Jones early in the fourth quarter, cementing a 30-13 final. The victory improved the Colts’ record to 2-2, while the Commanders fell further behind in their campaign. The game also highlighted the challenges of depth at the quarterback position for Washington, as both Mariota and Kaliakmanis struggled to find consistency after the injury to the starter.
For Indianapolis, the win underscored the dual-threat capability of Daniel Jones and the explosive power of Jonathan Taylor, who continues to be a focal point of the Colts’ offense. Looking ahead, the NFL will return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Sunday for a showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Following that, the Houston Texans will face the Jaguars at Wembley on October 18, continuing the league’s international push. Fans can catch the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will also broadcast the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. For those without a contract, streaming options are available through NOW, offering flexible access to every game. Beyond the on‑field action, the London International Series continues to grow in popularity, showcasing American football to a global audience and providing teams with the unique experience of playing in iconic venues outside the United States.
The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its modern amenities and passionate crowd, adds a distinctive flavor to the NFL’s brand, fostering cross‑cultural exchange and expanding the league’s fan base. In summary, Jonathan Taylor’s two touchdowns, combined with solid contributions from Daniel Jones and Spencer Shrader, propelled the Colts to a convincing win over the Commanders. Washington’s injury woes and questionable fourth‑down call proved costly, while the game’s broader context highlights the NFL’s commitment to international growth and the excitement of high‑stakes football in a world‑class stadium.