Colts Outlast Bears in Hard-Fought 21-16 Win, Taylor Shines on the Ground

Photo byAP Photo/Darron Cummings

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts triumphed over the Chicago Bears 21-16 on Sunday, propelled by a powerful rushing attack led by Jonathan Taylor, who notched two touchdown runs, while Trey Sermon contributed another.

Taylor carried the ball 23 times for 110 yards, helping the Colts (1-2) avoid an 0-3 start for the first time since 2021. Quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 10 of 20 passes for 167 yards but struggled with turnovers, tossing two interceptions.

Despite the loss, the Bears (1-2) showed signs of improvement with their offense, scoring two touchdowns—one more than their total from the first two weeks. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the top overall pick in this year's draft, had a standout performance, completing 33 of 52 passes for a season-high 363 yards and throwing his first two NFL touchdown passes, though he was also intercepted twice.

The game featured a slow start, with both teams combining for only 71 total yards in the first quarter and five turnovers throughout the match. Both quarterbacks faced challenges, with passer ratings below 81, and Williams was sacked four times while under consistent pressure.

The Colts initially took control of the game, with Richardson setting up Taylor for a 29-yard touchdown run to give Indy a 7-0 lead early. After a scoreless first half for Chicago, the Bears managed a 53-yard field goal on their first drive of the third quarter.

Richardson helped push Sermon into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, extending the Colts' lead to 14-3 late in the third. The Bears responded, with Williams connecting with Rome Odunze for a 1-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-9.

However, the game turned when rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu forced a strip sack of Williams, allowing Taylor to score his second touchdown with a 1-yard run. Although Williams connected with Cole Kmet for a 6-yard touchdown with just over two minutes remaining, the Colts managed to run out the clock to secure the victory.

Kmet matched his career best with 10 receptions for 97 yards, while Odunze recorded six catches for a season-high 112 yards.

Upcoming Matchups:

• Bears: Host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday in the first of two consecutive home games.