Dan Orlovsky overlooks Jonathan Taylor for surprise MVP favorite as Colts RB makes feelings known on NFL's prestigious honor

Dan Orlovsky sparked a debate on Thursday. He picked New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye as his early-season NFL MVP, leaving out Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.

Orlovsky praised Maye’s impact on New England’s resurgence.

"The MVP of the NFL right now is Drake Maye," Orlovsky said, via ESPN's "Get Up."

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"Jonathan [Taylor's] having an outstanding season ... [but] the MVP of the NFL right now is Drake Maye." —@danorlovsky7

The second-year signal-caller has guided the Patriots from a 1-2 start to a 6-2 record and first place in the AFC East. Maye has completed 75.2% of his passes for 2,026 yards and 15 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He also has 251 rushing yards and two scores. Maye's efficiency and accuracy have positioned him among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks midway through the season.

Jonathan Taylor reacts to MVP chatter surrounding his breakout campaign

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While Dan Orlovsky’s comments elevated Drake Maye’s case, Jonathan Taylor’s production has been impossible to ignore. The Colts' workhorse addressed talk of being an MVP candidate during an interview with Kay Adams before Week 9. He called the discussion “special” but emphasized his team-first mindset.

"Anytime you get mentioned in that, you're talking about the best player in the league," Taylor said on Wednesday, via the "Up & Adams" show. "At the end of the day, we are all competitors, so no matter what you're willing to do for your team, everyone wants to turn on the film and say, 'I was the best player on the field.'"

Taylor also credited the Colts’ tradition of excellence, referencing past MVP Peyton Manning while underscoring his steady approach.

"You gotta continue to work," Taylor said. "I realized everyone who has achieved that, you talk to people around them, people who witnessed it: They came into work every day, they put the hard hat on, and they just let the weeks compile. Week after week after week."

The 2020 second-round pick from Wisconsin has powered Indianapolis to a 7-1 record, topping the league in total touchdowns with 14. He has logged 850 rushing yards and 206 receiving yards in eight games.

The Colts rank first in several offensive metrics, and Taylor’s resurgence has been central to their turnaround after back-to-back down years.