Did the Colts running back fumble? You make the call

On By Littum

DENVER — Colts running back Jonathan Taylor made one of the worst mistakes of his career in the biggest game of his team’s season.

Given a huge opportunity on Samuel Womack III’s interception to start the second half, Taylor finally broke free and ran off for what appeared to be a 41-yard touchdown run that would give Indianapolis a two-score lead.

But as Taylor neared the goal line, he let the ball fall out of his hands and, after replay review, it was ruled that he let the ball go before breaking the plane and turning six points into a 40-yard run and a touchback.

The NFL replay booth reviewed Taylor’s run and ruled that he dropped it before reaching the end zone. The ball was hidden by Taylor’s body on the camera angle shown the most in the stadium, but CBS showed an angle from the other side.

The error is one of the worst of Taylor’s career. With a win, the Colts are very much in the playoffs. A loss makes it very difficult to make the postseason.

Indianapolis has pounded away at the Broncos throughout the game, amassing the most rushing yards of any offense against Denver this season, and that big run over the right side should have been a dagger that put the Broncos in lane position.

Instead, Denver is still trailing by just six points.

Taylor was embraced by his teammates on the sideline and he was high-fiving teammates, according to the CBS broadcast.