When Tyler Warren arrived at Westfield earlier this year, he was clear about one thing: That the NFL would be as much of a cakewalk as his Penn State Nittany Lions days were. But would it really be that simple? Well, just ask Indianapolis Colts‘ veteran running back, Jonathan Taylor, who didn’t shy away from showing the rookie a much-needed mirror.

“A guy like Tyler came from a big-time school, won a bunch of games. So, he’s like, ‘Oh, just like before,” Taylor said about Warren’s mindset during an appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams this week. “I’m like, ‘Listen, but the things that’s going on, this is not normal. Like, these are not normal NFL games.

“But I also told him that we made it that way. So, don’t lose sight of the work that you put in. It’s not that they’re just always supposed to be close. There’s supposed to be these grinders. Doesn’t have to be that way, but pay attention to how we work and this is what it takes to win like this.”

As much as Taylor’s saying the truth, it looks like the rookie has nothing much to worry about, after all.

For Warren, he has just stepped from one winning program (Penn State) to another (the Colts), the NFL team that had a hot 3-0 start and is currently boasting a four-game win streak. Back in his college career, he recorded a total of 153 receptions for 1,839 yards. Last year, he racked up 104 receptions for 1233 yards and 8 TDs. And, not just that…

He also won the John Mackey Award. Now, fast forward to now, and the player is already turning heads, catching 74 percent of his targets for 492 yards. Colts play man coverage at the third-highest rate in the NFL, and Warren is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns against that play. He is 15th overall in yards (492) in the league.

The tight end’s best performance came in Week 2 vs the Denver Broncos (following which he also won Rookie of the Week award) where he was targeted seven times, and caught four for 79 yards. He also recorded one carry for zero yards during the game.

While Warren finished second to teammate Josh Down in targets, his explosive 41-yard reception on the Colts’ second possession was not to be ignored at all. Then, he followed it up with two more runs of 14 and 15 yards.

Warren’s work ethic was even appreciated by Taylor, who compared it to another impressive former tight end, Jack Doyle’s. He also lauded him for being a “smart, savvy football player.”

The Colts’ offense has racked up 20+ points in each of their games. Due to this, they have had comfortable wins in the past weeks, but their mindset, which is to stay focused and grounded, will help them face the new challenges ahead when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

As for Taylor, there’s also a major aspect of his personal record.

Jonathan Taylor touched upon his MVP chances

After dealing with injuries last season, the running back is finally back to playing at his best. In the 38-14 win over the Tennessee Titans, he scored 2 touchdowns and rushed for 153 yards. He has had 3 touchdowns in at least three games this season.

So, it isn’t surprising that the player has been in the MVP talks. Taylor shared that being in the MVP is something “special” to him. If he wins the title this season, Taylor will become the first RB to win the honor after Adrian Peterson won it in 2012. He even has the support of former players. So, this is indeed something incredible.

And he is leaning towards the veterans and winners in the past to learn and give his best. “I realize everyone who has achieved that,” he told Adams. “You talk to people around them, people who witnessed it, they came into work every day. They put their hard hat on and they just let their weeks compile week after week after week.” He has been impressive every week.

Taylor is putting in the work this season. He had 12 rushing touchdowns across the last eight games, which is first in the league. Not just personal records, his focus is also on how to elevate the team, because the Colts have no plans to slow down.