Chiefs' priority in Week 12? Slow down Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Chiefs set to square off against NFL's leading rusher

The Chiefs (5-5) are arguably in a must-win situation every week for the remaining seven regular-season games.

To kick it off, the Chiefs find themselves confronting a major obstacle in Week 12 when the team welcomes the Indianapolis Colts (8-2) to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is playing lights out, of course, but the true barrier comes in the form of Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor, the Colts’ explosive running back, anchors the NFL’s top offense, which ranks first in yards per game (396.9), yards per play (6.41) and points per game (31.1).

The 5-foot-10, 226-pound Taylor leads the NFL in rushing (1,139 yards), yards per carry (6.0) and rushing touchdowns (15) on 189 attempts. He’s versatile out of the backfield, totaling 30 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns on 32 targets.

Taylor, who has 73 total career touchdowns (66 rushing, seven receiving) in 77 career games, is also chasing history.

If Taylor scores twice against the Chiefs on Sunday, he will become just the fifth running back in NFL history to reach 75 scrimmage touchdowns in less than 80 games, joining elite company in the form of Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown (72 games), LaDainian Tomlinson (72) and Emmitt Smith (77). Former Rams running back Todd Gurley accomplished the feat in 78 games.

Simply put, the Chiefs know Taylor is a problem.

“He’s as good a back as there is,” Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen said.

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