Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor ran for two touchdowns as the Colts defeated the injury-hit Washington Commanders 30-13 on Sunday in the NFL’s latest foray in London. Taylor had ample opportunity to unveil his London-themed celebration, miming sipping tea after finding the end zone late in the first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and again early in the third quarter to give the Colts a 17-6 lead.
“I just think that any time we have an opportunity to put a great product on the field and showcase the game that we love (to) fans all across the world, on the international stage, we always try to put our best foot forward,” Taylor told NFL Network. “The crowd was electric, the energy was amazing and I can’t wait to come back to London.”
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The Commanders, already missing star quarterback Jayden Daniels with a dislocated left elbow, saw veteran backup Marcus Mariota depart with a right knee injury in the opening minutes. Mariota — who led Washington to an upset win over the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks last week — was replaced by rookie seventh-round draft pick Athan Kaliakmanis.
Kaliakmanis came up with some impressive plays, connecting on passes of 48 and 47 yards, but had an 87-yard TD nullified by a penalty. The contest was one of nine NFL international games this season and the first of three in London this month. It launched a Sunday slate that will feature the Las Vegas Raiders hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in a battle of unbeaten AFC West division rivals.
The Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers also put their perfect 3-0 records on the line. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen takes a historic rushing touchdown streak into the Bills’ home game against the New England Patriots. With two rushing TDs in each of the first three games, Allen became the first quarterback to rush for multiple touchdowns in three straight games. He could become the first player in NFL history — regardless of position — to record multiple rushing TDs in four straight games to start the season. The 49ers host the Denver Broncos and the Vikings host the Miami Dolphins.
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