The Indianapolis Colts Anthony Richardson vs. New York Jets show shows what’s in store

On By Pranco

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson answered the call by taking charge Indianapolis foals to a comeback in the fourth quarter about the Jets from New York in Week 11. After being benched for two straight games due to lack of preparation, Richardson returned and looked better than ever. Despite finally achieving his goal of a breakthrough, the former fourth overall pick will have plenty of detractors who will cry that this showing against New York could be “fraudulent.”

Here are three reasons why Richardson’s matchup against Aaron Rodgers was anything but a fluke.

He handled the pressure to return after being benched

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (all white uniform) tries to create space by running away from a defender.

November 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs with the ball against New York Jets’ Michael Clemons (72) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory credits: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Being benched at any position in the NFL is cruel to a player’s confidence, especially at quarterback and being as young as Richardson. The immediate assumption was that the Jets’ top-tier pass defense, combined with Richardson’s potentially shaken confidence, seemed like a recipe for disaster. However, the young field general led his team to victory to avoid a four-game losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Richardson finished the game with 20/30 completions for 272 passing yards, 1 touchdown pass with no interceptions. Although he had two turnovers, he made up for it with rushing prowess, taking 10 carries for 32 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including the go-ahead goal with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. Richardson had an answer for the adversity in Week 11. The hope for Shane Steichen is that this kind of consistency is seen consistently as the year winds down.

He’s learned his lesson

Anthony Richardson celebrates (all white uniform) after a big score against the New York Jets.

November 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory credits: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Richardson’s benching wasn’t really because the team believed in it Joe Flacco elevated the offense to the highest peaks. Instead, Richardson’s attention to detail and the day-to-day process of becoming an NFL quarterback needed to improve. After the win and having had time to reflect on his lineup, Richardson had some excellent things to say about his teammates and the confidence they have instilled in him as the franchise’s leader.

Richardson said:

“I don’t know if it’s a reward for me. I just hope my teammates see that I’m willing to do anything for them. I’m willing to put my body on the line to sacrifice everything on the field.” But I definitely appreciate them just for trusting me and believing in me throughout the whole process, no matter what’s going on.

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Richardson’s leadership appears to be at the next level after the benching. While Richardson started as a rookie before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, 2024 seemed a little different before his demotion and the second-year passer struggled mightily. Richardson knows what it takes every day to succeed now and will use this process to continue to get better. There won’t always be triumphant wins like against New York, but Richardson’s sharp preparation will always give Indianapolis the best chance to win.

Shane Steichen’s game plan

Colts head coach Shane Steichen (white camo sweatshirt) looks at the field.

November 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory credits: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images / Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Steichen’s offense was reflected in Indy’s three-game losing streak against the Houston Texans, Minnesota VikingsAnd Buffalo Billsaveraging just 17.6 points per game. The biggest criticism outside of Flacco being the starter was the lack of imagination in Steichen’s plan. You could criticize that this was due to Flacco being under center, but Steichen had near-brain-dead moments during Richardson’s tenure before he was benched, using constant vertical shots to start games. After the Jets’ win, however, Steichen has once again adopted his “chameleon” label.

Against the Jets, certain drives stalled in the second half, but Steichen started with a run-heavy attack, leaning on Richardson and Jonathan Taylor to jump out to 13-0. This was followed by consistency from Richardson along with crafty receivers such as A.D. Mitchell open to huge profits. To finish the game and take the win in the fourth quarter, Steichen put the game in Richardson’s hands and added an exclamation point to the battle with a rushing score. Steichen is a smart and innovative offensive mind who may have rediscovered the groove we saw so often in 2023.

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