Jonathan Taylor’s Week 10 performance reignited a conversation that seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago—could a running back actually win the MVP award in a quarterback-dominated era? After his explosive display, fans, analysts, and even opposing defenders have started whispering the same thing: maybe this season belongs to him. While it might be an overreaction, the case for Taylor as a runaway MVP suddenly feels stronger than ever.
A Dominant Force Returns to Form
Taylor looked like a man possessed in Week 10, slicing through defenses with a blend of power, patience, and speed rarely seen since his 2021 breakout campaign. His vision behind the line of scrimmage, combined with his uncanny ability to break tackles, has elevated him back to elite form. Each carry seemed to chip away not just at the defense’s endurance but at the belief that any team could contain him.
In an era where offensive schemes rely heavily on aerial attacks, Taylor’s ground dominance is refreshing. He doesn’t just run for yards—he controls the tempo, dictates field position, and opens up opportunities for his quarterback to thrive off play-action. That level of control gives him an impact often reserved for signal-callers.
The Case for MVP Grows
The MVP award has long favored quarterbacks. Yet Taylor’s contributions this season, especially his Week 10 outburst, make it impossible to ignore his value. When he’s on the field, the offense looks balanced, unpredictable, and dangerous. He’s not just carrying the football; he’s carrying the team’s rhythm and identity.
Moreover, Taylor’s efficiency stands out. He’s maximizing every touch, turning routine plays into highlight reels. His ability to stay productive even behind inconsistent blocking showcases rare individual brilliance. It’s no exaggeration to say that Taylor’s impact rivals that of any top quarterback this season.
Comparisons to Historic Runs
If history teaches anything, it’s that running backs rarely win MVP unless they produce transcendent seasons. Taylor’s Week 10 effort, however, hinted at that level of dominance. He’s showcasing the same type of game-changing influence that once made past legends the faces of the league. Each week, he appears to gain more confidence, and his team follows his lead.
Fans are already drawing comparisons to some of the greats who have carried their franchises on their backs. The combination of acceleration, power, and football IQ is positioning him for a potentially historic campaign if he sustains this level of play.
Why the Timing Matters
Timing can be everything in an MVP race. With several star quarterbacks posting uneven performances, the door has opened wider for a skill-position player to make a serious run. Taylor’s recent surge could not have come at a better moment. If he continues to dominate during the critical stretch of November and December, his name will stay in the national conversation.
The league often rewards players who elevate their teams when it matters most. Taylor’s leadership and consistency have stabilized his team’s offense through injuries and uncertainty. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a sense of inevitability—a confidence that something special is about to happen.
Can a Running Back Really Win It?
Skeptics will argue that the modern MVP is a quarterback’s award. They might be right, statistically speaking. However, if Taylor continues on this path, he will make it impossible to ignore his candidacy. His Week 10 statement game felt like more than just another big performance—it felt like a shift in momentum.
He embodies what makes football thrilling: physicality, endurance, and game-breaking plays that can change an entire season. MVP voters crave narratives, and Taylor’s comeback from early-season struggles offers one that’s both inspiring and statistically undeniable.
Final Thoughts
Overreactions are part of the NFL’s weekly rhythm, but sometimes, they hold a grain of truth. Jonathan Taylor as a runaway MVP might sound bold, but Week 10 gave that take real legs. If he keeps running through defenses like this, the league might have to reconsider its quarterback bias.
Taylor isn’t just back—he’s redefining what dominance looks like from the backfield. And if this pace continues, the MVP trophy might just be waiting at the finish line for him.
