EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Here are ten insights on the Colts’ thrilling 28-27 victory over the Jets at MetLife Stadium:
1. The return of Anthony Richardson was highly anticipated, with many wondering how much he had improved mentally after taking two weeks to study the game more intently. There were concerns about whether the Colts would adapt their game plan to suit Richardson’s strengths or stick to a pass-heavy approach despite ongoing injuries on their offensive line. The results were remarkably positive. Richardson demonstrated sharp decision-making, avoiding any turnover-worthy throws while playing resiliently as a runner. Notably, he orchestrated two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, leading to what was arguably his best game as a professional, completing 20 of 30 passes for 272 yards, one touchdown, and two rushing touchdowns, without any interceptions.
2. There has been a demand for more plays that leverage Richardson’s talents in a way similar to the Jalen Hurts offense, especially after the Colts secured Jonathan Taylor to a significant contract. On Sunday, the Colts surprised many by unveiling a diverse range of offensive concepts, including quarterback powers and zone-read plays that effectively engaged Richardson and Taylor. This newly implemented strategy allowed Richardson to find his rhythm and alleviated some pressures he had faced in recent weeks.
3. The crafted game plan played a significant role in the success of the offensive unit. As Mo Alie-Cox noted, the array of designed quarterback runs helped Richardson settle into the game and build confidence, leading to a more productive performance overall.
4. This begs the question: Why didn’t the Colts employ such an offensive strategy from the outset of Richardson’s previous starts? One theory is that the team might have been overly cautious, protective of Richardson due to the injuries he faced last season and this season. They were attempting to build his confidence first through traditional reps as a passer rather than immediately exposing him to high-risk situations.
5. There were initial fears of exacerbating Richardson’s injury concerns, but once the Colts were forced to bring him back into play after Joe Flacco struggled, they were committed to fully utilizing his abilities to optimize the offensive strategy. Richardson endured substantial hits, displaying remarkable toughness akin to that of Cam Newton, showcasing his tenacity during critical moments.
6. However, the Colts’ offensive line struggled to adapt as the game evolved. With a makeshift lineup that included three rookies, communication issues compounded the challenge, making it difficult to protect the quarterback adequately. A potential return of left tackle Bernhard Raimann could provide some relief and improve the team’s overall dynamics.
7. One key area of focus for Richardson’s development is recognizing defensive blitzes. Understanding how to read the pressure and effectively respond is essential for his growth. The Colts have emphasized this in practice to help Richardson develop a more nuanced understanding of the game as he continues to cultivate his skills.
8. While Colts head coach Shane Steichen stated that Flacco’s recent struggles did not influence the decision to return to Richardson, there were clear advantages to making the switch based on Flacco’s overall performance. The Colts needed results to maintain playoff aspirations, and with Flacco’s turnover issues, it became apparent that Richardson was the better option to aid the team’s chances.
9. The Colts’ defense has shown fluctuations throughout the season. While they managed to tighten up in some areas, allowing the Jets to exploit weaknesses in the run game remains a concern. To bolster their defensive effectiveness, consistency will be key, especially as they navigate tough matchups in the weeks to come.
10. On a brighter note, despite the challenges faced, the Colts now find themselves at 5-6 and in contention for one of the wild-card spots in the AFC. Rookie receiver Josh Downs has emerged as a standout player, excelling in dual roles as both a slot receiver and punt returner. His leadership qualities and significant contributions on the field have brought optimism to Colts fans moving forward.
Overall, while the Colts have faced their share of obstacles, the team’s resilience and emerging talent like Richardson and Downs offer hope for a positive season ahead. As the Colts prepare for their next game against the Lions, fans can look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to see growth within the squad.