Monday Morning Awards: Week 14 @Raiders

MVP of the Game: Jonathan Taylor

Taylor just keeps on improving as the season progresses. The rookie has been hitting his stride lately and yesterday he had his best game as a pro, racking up over 150 scrimmage yards and 2 scores, one from 62-yards out where he displayed his breakaway speed. With how Wilkins and Hines have been struggling to find consistency on the ground, it has been really nice to watch Taylor assert himself as the lead back heading into the last stretch of the season, as Indy will definitely need a bell-cow back to pound the ball in the playoffs.

Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Julian Blackmon

Blackmon had perhaps his worst game of the year against the Raiders, as he was seemingly late to every play in coverage, missed the key tackle on Moreau’s touchdown, and was thoroughly outplayed by safety partner Khari Willis. Not much to worry about though, bad games happen, especially for rookies that did not even get a training camp. Let’s just hope Blackmon learns from this and moves on.

Best Play of the Game: Kenny Moore’s one-handed INT

With the Raiders driving and already inside the Colts’ red-zone, Moore made an outstanding one-handed snag to rob the Raiders of points and help start sealing the deal for Indy. Up to that point, Moore was getting consistently picked on by the Raiders’ massive tight ends, but he managed to turn it around not only with this gorgeous interception but also forced a fumble on Hunter Renfrow later in the game.

Worst Play of the Game: Moreau’s long touchdown

Everything that could go wrong, went wrong on this one. The pass-rush did not get any pressure at all (as was the case throughout all of the first half, which was worrying), Kenny Moore failed to make the play in coverage and Julian Blackmon got his ankles broken by a tight end. If there is one thing that I liked about the defense, it is that it seemed like every single thing had to go right for the Raiders to score a touchdown. Let’s not forget that Gruden is great at dialing up plays in the first few drives but after that, he starts sputtering.

Best Position Group: Running Backs

Not only was Taylor the MVP of the game, but Hines also had a nice day on the ground, showing his elite speed and some nice cuts, while Wilkins was effective in short-yardage situations. Overall, it was a perfect game for the running back stable.

Unsung Hero: Jack Doyle

I have probably been Doyle’s harshest critic this year, and I still believe he should be cut at the end of the season to save cap space, but I have to admit he had a really nice game yesterday. Jack was a viable safety blanket for Rivers, he fought for extra yards every time he got his hands on the ball and was an excellent run-blocker.

Rookie of the Week: Jonathan Taylor

No other choice here than Taylor, who takes home MVP and Rookie of the Week. In fact, Taylor should also win OROTW in the entire NFL.