Why Did Shane Steichen Stick With Jonathan Taylor After Laquon Treadwell’s Catch?

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Why Did Shane Steichen Stick With Jonathan Taylor After Laquon Treadwell’s Catch?

Heena Singh · Gridiron Heroics

Mon, Sep 21, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The Indianapolis Colts had the Kansas City Chiefs right where they wanted them. Laquon Treadwell's 48-yard catch in overtime gave the Colts a fresh set of downs at the Chiefs' 17-yard line.

A touchdown would have ended the game. Instead, the head coach Shane Steichen leaned heavily on Jonathan Taylor, and the Colts eventually settled for a field goal before Patrick Mahomes drove the Chiefs into position for the winning kick.

Shane Steichen Explains Jonathan Taylor 's Decision For Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts, Shane Steichen, NFL — Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The decision was made during a stretch where the Colts had a real chance to finish the game. Treadwell's catch had initially been ruled a fumble, however, the review showed he was down by contact. That put the Colts in a strong spot with 4:50 left in overtime.

Steichen had a clear idea of how he wanted to handle it. Rather than immediately putting the ball in Daniel Jones ' hands, he wanted Taylor to be the player who finished the drive.

"I was trying to finish the game with (Jonathan Taylor)."

"No, X-rays were negative."

"A freakin' hard league, and you gotta find a way to win."

Taylor had already delivered twice during the game, finishing with 132 total yards and two touchdowns. Steichen wanted his Pro Bowl running back to close things out. The first run, though, went backward. Taylor lost one yard, leaving the Colts at second-and-11. They then went right back to him, and the result was even worse.

At that point, the Chiefs had forced Indianapolis away from the plan Steichen originally wanted. Jones had to make something happen on third down. He scrambled for five yards before getting pushed toward the sideline, leaving the Colts with fourth-and-eight at the Chiefs' 15.

That was where Steichen had another decision to make. The Colts lined up as if they were prepared to go for it. Steichen had a play available, however, only if the Chiefs showed the coverage Indianapolis wanted.

The right look never came. Indianapolis took the delay-of-game penalty and sent out Spencer Shrader to tie the game. The field goal made it 30-30 and gave Mahomes 3:11 to work with. That proved to be enough. Kansas City moved into range, and Harrison Butker hit the 40-yard winner as time expired.

The Colts had an opportunity to end the game themselves after Treadwell's catch; however, the decision to stay with Taylor twice left them facing third-and-long. Steichen's reasoning was to trust his best playmaker and protect the ball, but the execution never delivered the finish Indianapolis needed.

Shane Steichen Explains Jonathan Taylor 's Decision For Indianapolis Colts

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