The Indianapolis Colts snapped their three-game losing streak with a Week 11 win over the New York Jets, led by Anthony Richardson in his return to the starting lineup.
In the short term, the win helps keep the Colts’ playoff hopes alive in the AFC. But bigger picture, Richardson’s impressive performance, which included two late touchdown drives, gives long-term hope, showcasing the high-impact player he can be.
However, Richardson wasn’t the only standout performer from Sunday’s win. Let’s take a look at few others who played key roles as well.
QB Anthony Richardson
As we just mentioned, and as you all saw, Richardson orchestrated two late touchdown drives to help the Colts secure the win. Overall, he was much more efficient passing on the short to intermediate routes, was in command, and often throwing within the rhythm of the play. Richardson completed 20-of-30 passes for 272 yards and added 32 more rushing yards on the ground to go with three total touchdowns.
DE Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu
It was a disruptive day for this Colts’ defensive end duo. Latu and Paye would total eight pressures and three sacks, according to PFF, while in the run game, they combined for four tackles for loss.
CB Jaylon Jones
It felt like Jones was all over the field in this one. He totaled five tackles, a few of which came around the line of scrimmage, while in coverage, PFF credited Jones with allowing only four completions on eight targets and holding the pass catchers to just 36 total yards. He also had two pass breakups.
WR Josh Downs
Another week, another game where Downs led the Colts in receiving. He caught all five of his targets in this game, totaling 84 yards, which included a downfield 31 yard completion and one touchdown. Downs currently ranks eighth among all receivers in Week 11 in PFF’s yards per route run metric, which measures a receivers efficiency.
K Matt Gay
Lastly, in a game that the Colts won by only a point, every kick from Matt Gay was critical. He finished the game making all three field goal attempts, including a deep one from 56 yards, which has given him fits over the last year, and Gay also made his one extra point attempt as well.