INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jonathan Taylor took matters into his own hands Sunday.
And this time, he made sure he hung onto the ball each time he crossed the goal line.
Click to Gallery
Tennessee Titans cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (26) downs a punt at the goal line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, left, scores a past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Samuel Womack III (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, left, catches a pass for a touchdown over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Samuel Womack III (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs past Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pressures Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) as he throws during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs the ball past Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) reaches past Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill, center, to pressure quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) scores a touchdown past Tennessee Titans cornerback Daryl Worley (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen, left, congratulates quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) runs with an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears, right, is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones, left, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (27) runs the ball past Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray (51) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
One week after enduring perhaps the most embarrassing moment of his five-year NFL career, Taylor showed everyone that he learned his lesson by rushing for 218 yards and three scores, leading the Indianapolis Colts past the Tennessee Titans 38-30.
“Like I said, that was something that never happened before and would never happen again,” Taylor said, referring to dropping the ball before crossing the goal line last week at Denver. “I already had predetermined in my mind, next time, I was going all the way through the tunnel."
He delivered on that promise after his first score, a 65-yard burst, rekindling memories of former Raiders star Bo Jackson at the same time he was trying to erase the thoughts of his miscue that cost Indy a touchdown in a crushing loss to the Broncos.
But the first sprint was only the start for Taylor. He broke free for a 70-yard TD run on the first play of the second half, again carrying the football with two hands through the end zone, and capped the day with a 1-yard TD plunge.
Taylor needed 29 carries to post the second-highest single-game rushing total in the NFL this season. It was also the second-highest game total of his career, his most TD runs in a game since scoring four against Buffalo in 2021 and it put him over the 1,000-yard mark for the first time since he won the 2021 NFL rushing title.
Anthony Richardson had nine carries for 70 yards and one TD as Indy (7-8) had a franchise-record 335 yards rushing — 17 more than the previous mark set in 1956. Richardson's sixth TD run of the season also broke the franchise record for TD runs by a quarterback, and it came on a day he threw only 11 passes.
“You want to be able to run it every game, but, obviously, it was going good today and guys were popping it,” coach Shane Steichen said. “Single-game (franchise) record? Incredible. It’s fun to watch.”
For the Titans (3-12), it was the opposite — another bleak chapter in a miserable season.
Their fourth straight loss came with three more turnovers and the breakdowns of what has mostly been a pretty stingy defense. Two of the Titans past four opponents have rushed for at least 200 yards, and the final tally represented the most rushing yards allowed by the franchise since it moved from Houston to Nashville in the late 1990s.
“The speed of Jonathan Taylor showed up and we couldn’t get him on the ground," Titans coach Brian Callahan said. "He had a couple of explosive runs, and sometimes that’s all it takes.”
Even the quarterback change, from Will Levis to Mason Rudolph, didn't help.
Rudolph wound up 23 of 34 with 252 yards, two touchdown passes and three interceptions and helped Tennessee close the gap from 38-7 by scoring the final 23 points of the game. But Kenny Moore II's second interception of the game, as time expired, sealed the outcome.
The game got away from Tennessee quickly after Rudolph threw a picture-perfect 38-yard TD pass, Titans backup kicker Brayden Narveson came up short on a 53-yard field goal and Richardson tied the score with a 5-yard TD run early in the second quarter.
Taylor broke free with the 65-yard run, a short field goal gave Indy a 17-7 lead and Richardson capitalized on Moore's first interception with a 27-yard TD pass with 15 seconds left in the first half to make it 24-7.
Things only got worse for the Titans.
Taylor turned his next carry into a 70-yard score, going untouched in front of the Tennessee bench, protecting the ball with two hands. His 1-yard run made it 38-7 midway through the third quarter and the Titans spent the rest of the game playing catch-up.
“You get excited, sometimes maybe a little too excited, when you see that (open field),” Taylor said, drawing laughter. “Then you just start analyzing, where are the defenders? Then it’s like ‘OK, it’s just a foot race, I’ve got to get in.’”
Titans: Kicker Nick Folk missed the game with an abdominal injury and while DT T'Vondre Sweat (eye) returned, RG Dillon Radunz (shoulder). Callahan said LB Kenneth Murray Jr.'s injured wrist “doesn't look good for him.” There were no updates on LB Otis Reed IV (ankle) or S Amani Hooker (shoulder).
Colts: Pro Bowl LG Quenton Nelson (ankle) left, but returned for Indy's final series. Starting CB Jaylon Jones (throat) and defensive back Tre Flowers (shoulder) did not return after getting injured. WR Alec Pierce (concussion) and LB E.J. Speed (knee) were both inactive.
The Titans close out their road schedule next Sunday at Jacksonville while the Colts visit the New York Giants next Sunday.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Tennessee Titans cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (26) downs a punt at the goal line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, left, scores a past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Samuel Womack III (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, left, catches a pass for a touchdown over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Samuel Womack III (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs past Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pressures Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) as he throws during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs the ball past Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) reaches past Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill, center, to pressure quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) scores a touchdown past Tennessee Titans cornerback Daryl Worley (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (11) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen, left, congratulates quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) runs with an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears, right, is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones, left, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (27) runs the ball past Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray (51) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
ATLANTA (AP) — Michael Penix Jr. felt a brief bit of apprehension as he ran down the tunnel, which was to be expected.
Then he played like a veteran for the Atlanta Falcons.
Penix's first NFL start went about as smoothly as it could, helped greatly by a defense that returned two interceptions for touchdowns Sunday in a 34-7 rout of the New York Giants that bolstered Atlanta's playoff hopes.
“It’s the game I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old," the 24-year-old rookie said. “Obviously it’s different, it’s at a higher level, but you know it’s the same game. I've just got to go out there and execute. Once we hit the field, I was good.”
Jessie Bates and Matthew Judon each had a pick-6 to carry Atlanta (8-7) to its second straight win after a four-game losing streak put its postseason hopes in jeopardy. The Falcons came into the week a game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South and holding the tiebreaker edge over the Buccaneers, who were playing Sunday night at Dallas.
Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in this year's draft, got the call against the Giants (2-13) after the Falcons decided to bench turnover-prone Kirk Cousins, just nine months after signing him to a four-year, $180 million contract that included $100 million in guaranteed money.
The left-hander was not at all overwhelmed by the moment, completing 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards — numbers that would've been better if not for at least three dropped passes, one of which Kyle Pitts bobbled right into the hands of a New York defender for Penix's lone interception.
“He went out and played almost flawless football,” coach Raheem Morris said. “He kept the game really clean."
The defense made things even easier for the new starter, throttling a New York team that struggled to put anything together with Drew Lock returning as the starting QB after missing the previous week with a heel injury.
The Giants took their franchise-record 10th straight loss.
“You can’t win a game when you throw two interceptions for touchdowns,” coach Brian Daboll said. “I’m just worried about this one. It wasn’t good enough.”
With the Giants up 7-3 in the second quarter, Lock's pass for Wan'Dale Robinson was easily swiped by Bates, who ran untouched the other way for a 55-yard touchdown return that put the Falcons ahead to stay.
Judon put the game away on the second play of the second half, grabbing a ball that was batted in the air by Zach Harrison as Lock attempted to throw. The edge rusher took it 27 yards for another pick-6 that gave Atlanta a commanding 24-7 lead.
It was only the second time in franchise history that Atlanta has returned a pair of interceptions to the end zone. Kenny Johnson did it by himself in a 47-41 victory over Green Bay on Nov. 27, 1983.
Lock, on the other hand, became the first Giants quarterback since Eli Manning in 2007 to toss multiple pick-6s in a game. He also lost a fumble.
Bijan Robinson had touchdowns runs of 2 and 4 yards for the Falcons. He finished with 94 yards on 22 carries and now has 10 rushing TDs on the season, becoming the first Atlanta back to reach double figures since Devonta Freeman during the 2016 Super Bowl season.
Robinson wanted to keep the focus on Penix for making a difficult week much easier on those around him.
“He carries himself super well,” the running back said. “I could tell in the game today he was as chill as possible.”
Lock opened the scoring with a 2-yard TD pass to Tyrone Tracy, who made a dazzling one-handed catch while tiptoeing along the end line. But that was about the only highlight for the Giants, who are wrapping up one of the most dismal seasons in their storied history.
Riley Patterson, taking over as Atlanta's kicker after struggling Younghoe Koo went on injured reserve, made field goals of 52 and 37 yards after missing his first attempt from 43 yards.
Atlanta got another big game from its pass rush, which was credited with three sacks and six other hits on Lock.
After being held to a league-low 10 sacks through their first 11 games, the Falcons have 16 sacks in four games since their bye week.
“I was like, ‘It’s coming, I can see it in practice and how we’re practicing and how we’re getting better,’” Morris said. “But really over the last couple of weeks, they’ve cracked the code. They're rushing together. When you get four guys all rushing together, that’s how it happens the best.”
Giants: ILB Micah McFadden (neck) and S Jason Pinnock (eye) both left the game. ... Tommy DeVito was cleared from concussion protocol and served as Lock's backup.
Falcons: CB Antonio Hamilton (quad) was injured in the first half and didn't return. ... WR Drake London (hamstring) hobbled off in the second half, but Morris said he doesn't think the injury is serious.
Giants: Host the Indianapolis Colts (7-8) next Sunday before closing the season at Philadelphia on Jan. 5. If New York loses its last two games, it will mark the fewest wins in a season since a 2-12 mark in 1974.
Falcons: Travel to Washington next Sunday night to take on the Commanders (10-5) in a game with huge playoff ramifications for both teams.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) is knocked out of bounds by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) in the first half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) reacts to being tackled just short of the goal line in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) scores a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll on the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball against New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) in the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball against New York Giants cornerbacks Cor'Dale Flott (28) and Dru Phillips (22) in the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) celebrates making a sack against New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) in the first half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) celebrates breaking up a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (3) breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) in the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates after a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) looks to pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) tackled by New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) short of the first down in the first half of an NFL football game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the first half of an NFL football game against the in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)