Jonathan Taylor Walks it Off as the Colts Defeat the Falcons

by Jake Lax, November 10, 2025

Source: AP Photo

The Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts traveled to Berlin, Germany, for the first-ever NFL game to be played in the German capital. The Falcons were coming off 3 consecutive losses and sitting at 3rd place in the NFC South, at 3-6. Indianapolis suffered its 2nd loss of the season last week to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but still maintained its lead atop the AFC South, at 8-2.

The Colts opened the game with possession, as quarterback Daniel Jones came out completing 10-yard passes to Alec Pierce and tight end Tyler Warren early. Running back Jonathan Taylor followed with a pair of tough 4-yard runs, setting up a manageable 4th and 2. The Colts rolled the dice and came up short, failing to convert and turning the ball over on downs to the Falcons on their opening drive.

Colts Strike First

Indianapolis would get the ball right back, sacking Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and forcing a fumble on the sack from Cam Bynum. Germaine Pratt would recover the fumble for the Colts and bring it all the way to the Falcons’ 23-yard line. Wide receiver Ashton Dulin took a handoff on a jet sweep for 22 yards, setting Indianapolis up at the 1-yard line. From there, Jonathan Taylor finished the job, powering up the middle for the touchdown. The extra point was no good, so the Colts had a 6-0 lead.

The Falcons responded quickly on their next drive behind quarterback Michael Penix Jr. He connected with wide receiver Drake London for a 30-yard strike, then went right back to London for another 13 yards right at midfield. From there, a defensive pass interference set them up in the red zone. Then running back Tyler Allgeier powered his way into the end zone for the touchdown. After the extra point, Atlanta took the lead at 7–6.

The Colts wasted no time reclaiming the lead, needing just two plays to go 65 yards. Jonathan Taylor broke loose for a 28-yard run to start the drive. On the very next play, quarterback Daniel Jones found wide receiver Alec Pierce down the middle of the field for a 37-yard touchdown. The score put Indianapolis back on top, 13–7.

Falcons Take the Lead Before Halftime

Atlanta answered with an efficient 55-yard drive to close out the first half. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed a pair of short passes to get the offense moving, while running back Bijan Robinson picked up tough yards on the ground to push the Falcons into the red zone. Penix then capped off the drive with a 16-yard touchdown strike to Drake London, giving Atlanta a 14–13 lead.

With just two minutes remaining in the half, Indianapolis tried to respond before the break. Daniel Jones led the offense downfield, but his final pass was intercepted by Falcon’s safety Jessie Bates, ending the half with Atlanta up.

The Falcons opened the second half with a steady drive from their offense. Facing fourth down, the Falcons turned to kicker Zane Gonzalez, who drilled a 43-yard field goal to extend their lead to 17–13. The Colts’ offense struggled to start the second half. Quarterback Daniel Jones was sacked and lost the ball on a fumble, which was recovered by the Falcons. Fortunately for Indianapolis, the defense quickly stepped up, forcing a three-and-out to get the ball back. On the next drive, the Colts marched 80 yards down the field, but their struggles continued. Facing 4th and 1 from the Falcons’ 5-yard line, they failed to convert once again, coming away empty on a crucial scoring opportunity.

After the defense forced another Falcons punt, the Colts leaned on Jonathan Taylor to get the offense moving. Taylor powered Indianapolis into field goal range, where kicker Michael Badgley capped off the drive with a 34-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 17–16 late in the third quarter.

Taylor Breaks Loose for a Record Run

The Colts’ defense forced another quick punt, setting up the offense with momentum. On the next drive, Jonathan Taylor exploded and sprinted 83 yards for a touchdown, the longest rushing score in the NFL this season. The two-point attempt failed, but Indianapolis took a 22–17 lead with 6 minutes left.

The Falcons responded, chewing up the clock and pounding the ball down the field. Running back Tyler Allgeier capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, his second of the day. Atlanta then completed the two-point conversion to Drake London, regaining the lead at 25–22.

Colts Force Overtime

With just one timeout and 1:30 remaining, the Colts mounted a dramatic drive to stay alive. Daniel Jones made a clutch 19-yard run, then converted a critical 4th down with a pass to Tyler Warren. With 30 seconds left, Jones found Michael Pittman Jr., setting up kicker Michael Badgley for a 44-yard field goal. The kick was good, sending the game into overtime tied at 25–25.

The Falcons won the overtime coin toss and received first, but their drive quickly ended. On 3rd and 12, Michael Penix Jr. was sacked by Zaire Franklin, forcing Atlanta to punt. The Colts wasted no time, marching down the field behind the legs of the MVP frontrunner, Jonathan Taylor. Taylor finished the drive with an 8-yard walk-off touchdown, his third of the day, giving Indianapolis a walk-off 31–25 victory in Berlin.

Final Stats and Takeaways

• Jonathan Taylor: 286 Total Yards, 3 TDs
• Tyler Warren: 8 Receptions, 99 Yards
• Drake London: 6 Receptions, 104 Yards, 1 TD

The Colts improve to 8-2 on the season following the win and have their bye week, before taking on the Chiefs on the road in week 12. The Falcons fall to 3-6 on the season and will face the Panthers next week at home.