Full Breakdown
Colts’ Rushing Power Propels 30-13 Victory Over Commanders in London
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 4, 2026, the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Washington Commanders 30-13 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries and scored two 5-yard touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones added a 4-yard rushing score, while kicker Spencer Shrader contributed three field goals (48-, 52-, 44-yard). The Commanders played most of the game without their starter Jayden Daniels, who was sidelined with a dislocated left elbow, and lost backup Marcus Mariota to a knee injury in the first quarter. Rookie third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Background & Context
Washington entered the matchup 1-2 after a surprise win over the Seattle Seahawks, but injuries had already depleted its quarterback depth. The team had ruled out Daniels on October 2, 2026, prompting Mariota’s start. Indianapolis, also 1-2, was seeking its first win after early-season losses to the Ravens and Chiefs. The game opened the NFL’s 2026 London schedule, marking the Colts’ third overseas appearance in four seasons.
Data & Statistics
- Taylor: 95 rushing yards, 2 TDs (both 5-yard runs).
- Jones: 19-of-34 passing, 143 yards, 1 interception, 1 fumble lost; 1 rushing TD.
- Kaliakmanis: 15-of-33 passing, 186 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception; 47-yard TD pass to Treylon Burks.
- Shrader: field goals from 48, 52 and 44 yards (all successful).
- Turnovers: Colts forced two turnovers (Jones fumble, Kaliakmanis interception); Commanders forced none after early strip-sack.
- Attendance: 60,907 spectators, the 13th NFL game at Tottenham and the first with attendance below 60,000 in prior meetings.
- Weather: 70 °F at kickoff.
Official Statements & Responses
After the win, the Colts highlighted their improved discipline, noting only one five-yard penalty compared with Washington’s ten penalties for 84 yards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had to show the world, hey, I had a really good tea,” — Jonathan Taylor
- “Can’t afford to turn the ball over like that,” — Daniel Jones, colts veteran
- “It was surreal, man, it was absolutely surreal,” — Athan Kaliakmanis
- “I hope that I can continue to stack that, now that I’m apparently the leader,” — Jonathan Taylor
- “The crazy thing I was saying to [team-mate] Josh Downs is imagine we had lost that game in the States, and then ended up playing international, win international but lose in the States. That was giving me a lot of pain,” — Sauce Gardner
- “Back then, I just started playing football," Raimann told reporters on Friday.” — Bernhard Raimann
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans in London noted the sea of burgundy and gold across the city. Former Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann, who grew up watching NFL games at Wembley, described playing in London as “extremely special” and hoped his story would inspire young fans.
What’s Next
The Colts travel back to the United States for a Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers the following Sunday. Washington’s next game is a home contest against the New York Giants the following Sunday, with the quarterback situation still uncertain pending Daniels’ recovery and Mariota’s health.