Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson orchestrated a game-winning drive for the second time in three weeks.
For the second time in three weeks, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson orchestrated a game-winning drive, this time to defeat the New England Patriots in the final seconds.
Two weeks ago, when facing the New York Jets, Richardson and the Colts’ offense overcame an eight-point fourth quarter deficit, scoring touchdowns on their final two possessions of the game to come away with the win.
This time, the Colts found themselves down by seven points with 5:30 left in the game. Beginning on their own 20-yard line, Richardson did a little bit of everything as the offense put together a 19-play drive that culminated with a touchdown pass from the second-year quarterback.
On that final possession, Richardson was 6-for-11 passing, and overcame two critical drops. He carried the ball when needed, and helped the offense convert three fourth downs, including on the touchdown pass to Alec Pierce.
An extra point would have tied the game, but Shane Steichen wasn’t looking to go to overtime. So instead, the Colts went for two and the win.
Lined up in shotgun from the two-yard line, Richardson faked the handoff to Jonathan Taylor who was lined up to his left and running to the right. But Richardson likely never had any intention of handing the ball off. Rather he pummeled his way into the end zone.
“Put it in 5’s hands and let him go make a play,” said Steichen after the game.
For much of the game–and even on that final possession–the Colts were able to lean on their run game, which found some success after several quiet weeks, and provided needed stability to the offense.
Between Richardson and Taylor, the two carried the ball 34 times in this game, totaling 144 yards at 4.2 yards per attempt.
Overall, it wasn’t a clean game for the Colts’ passing attack. Richardson threw two interceptions, with the unit appearing out of rhythm for three-plus quarters. However, no one is going to remember that.
What is going to be remembered is that when the game–and really, the Colts entire season–was on the line and mattered most, Richardson would come through in the clutch–again.
(This article was updated to provide additional information.)
The Colts with a huge drive and two-point conversion to down the Patriots
Shane Steichen saw his team drive 80 yards in 19 plays to come within a point of the New England Patriots. There were 12 seconds left, the Indianapolis Colts were down by one and their coach had a decision: Play for overtime or go for the win.
He went for the win and Anthony Richardson barged into the end zone to give Indy a 25-24 win on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
The 19-play drive took 5:22 and concluded with a three-yard pass from Richardson to Alec Pierce.
Let’s head to the film room and take a look back at Richardson’s performance in the Indianapolis Colts Week 12 loss to the Lions.
A little late this week so let’s not beat around the bush. Let’s talk about the Indianapolis Colts’ passing game.
After a pretty good week last week, the numbers here don’t paint a great picture. Richardson clocks in with a 39.3% completion percentage and 6.1 YPA. Pretty bad!
Some of the advanced numbers don’t look much better. PFF charted his receivers with 2 drops and 3 throwaways. Throw in a batted ball and his adjusted completion percentage was 56.5%. Certainly better than 39.3% (math!), but sub-60% is generally frowned-upon.
As I’ve mentioned many times, PFF is notoriously charitable to wide receivers when it comes to drops. It’s subjective to be sure, but I almost always chart 2-3 more drops per game than PFF, and that was true here. That’s without even mentioning that one of those drops was a surefire TD, which makes the numbers look better (even if the adjusted completion percentage would have stayed the same).
All that about the numbers looking better if he got a little help is true, but also Richardson was dealing when he was clean. In this game, Richardson was kept clean on 56.7% of his dropbacks. On those dropbacks, he averaged 2.15 seconds to get rid of the ball, completing 62.5% of his passes (75% completion percentage) and 163 yards (10.2 YPA).
It was the under pressure stuff that killed him. He was under pressure on 43.3% of his dropbacks, completing an abysmal 8.3% of his passes (14.3% adjusted) for 9 yards (0.8 YPA). He averaged 3.48 seconds on those, which feels right; while some of that pressure was on the line, Richardson is certainly at fault with some of those pressures by holding onto the ball too long. Some of those numbers may look worse than other QBs, simply because Richardson fights like crazy not to take a sack, resulting in some less-than-ideal passes in those situations, which causes the completion percentage to take a hit.
As he has done all season, Richardson was chucking in this game, with an ADOT (Average Depth of Target) of 14.1 yards. Even though that’s a high number, that’s only the 4th highest ADOT in a game of Richardson’s season. On the season overall, Richardson has the highest ADOT in the league among regular starters at 12.9. Jameis Winston is 2nd with an ADOT of 10.6. That gap of 2.3 yards is the gap as it is from Winston at #2 to Dak Prescott, CJ Stroud and Joe Burrow at #14 (8.3 ADOT).
That’s a long way to say that Richardson is throwing deeper than any other QB in the league on a regular basis and it’s not particularly close.
Overall, not the cleanest game from Richardson, but he played much better than the numbers (even some of the advanced numbers) suggest. There are going to be bumps in the road, but, against a good Lions defense, I came away much more optimistic about how he looked than I did while watching it live.
Alright let’s look at a play before we get out of here. It’s in incomplete pass because of course it is, but it’s a concept I’ve been wanting to bring up in this space all season, so now is the time I guess.
I have not charted every passing play yet (slacker, I know), but this is one the Colts seem to run at least once per game. It’s almost always open, but the hit rate has been low because the throw is either off target or the ball is dropped. If they can ever get synced up on this, they’re going to absolutely eat.
It’s a simple, two-man concept off play action. The Colts go heavy in 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR), with both TEs in-line on the right in a YY Wing look. Richardson is in shotgun/pistol, with Jonathan Taylor [28] aligned behind him. They go play action, then release Alec Pierce [14] and Michael Pittman [11] into their routes.
Pittman is running an intermediate in-cutter, while Pierce is running a big crosser over the top. The Lions are showing a two-high safety look pre-snap, but they rotate into a single-high look post-snap. That’s perfect for where the Colts are trying to attack.
Pierce gets an inside release at the line and fights to maintain that up the field. With the safety dropping down over Pittman, that leaves an ocean of space for Pierce.
Richardson hangs onto this ball for a beat too long. He checks the safety and knows he has Pierce, but hesitates to throw until Pierce is a little further into the route. D.J. Reader [98] is pushing from the interior of the line, and that little hesitation by Richardson allows Reader to make contact as the ball is coming out.
It’s a nice-looking throw, but just a little too deep for Pierce. Pierce lays out and tries to bring this in, but it’s just slightly too deep.
Like I said, the Colts run this a lot and Pierce is almost always open. If they can get the timing just a bit better, it’ll be huge for them.
Albums listened to: Tom Waits – Small Change; Tiny Deaths – If I’m Dreaming
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen thought that quarterback Anthony Richardson played “pretty darn well” against the Lions.
The final numbers won’t reflect it, but the tape will, and Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen was very encouraged by Anthony Richardson’s performance against the Lions.
On the stat sheet, Richardson finished the day 11-for-28 passing for 172 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
But when it comes to the intangible aspects of playing the quarterback position, the elements that can showcase long-term success, Richardson again showed improvement, building upon his performance from a week go in New York.
Throughout the game, even when the situations weren’t conducive for it, Richardson often remained on time and in rhythm as a passer. His command of the offense was on point as well, knowing where to go with the ball, when to push it downfield, and overall making good decisions.
“I thought (Richardson was) really good, just like last week,” Quenton Nelson said via The Athletic. “Maybe even better this week just running and passing. I think he’s doing a great job and just raising his play week to week.”
The issue for the offense was a lot of other factors, which made things more challenging for Richardson and hurt his production.
A number of penalties wiped out explosive plays for the Colts’ offense. There were also some dropped passes and the offensive line didn’t provide Richardson with much help, with Jonathan Taylor averaging just 3.2 yards per carry, which put more of a burden on the passing game, not to mention that Richardson was pressured on 43 percent of his dropbacks, the fifth-highest rate in Week 12.
However, another positive, is through all of the ups and downs going on around him, Richardson remained poised and didn’t let it effect his level of play. He even graded out as PFF’s fifth-highest graded passer in Week 12, for what it’s worth.
At the end of the day, the Colts don’t have a ton of breathing room when it comes to their playoff hopes so every loss is going to hurt quite a bit. Making things worse were all the self-inflicted errors that contributed to the performance.
But while Richardson’s numbers on Sunday may look somewhat similar to what we saw from him early on in the season, this performance compared to those other ones were vastly different.
Adding to Colts QB Anthony Richardson’s impressive play was that he was among the best in Week 11 at dealing with pressure from the defense.
In addition to Anthony Richardson’s overall stellar performance on Sunday in the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 11 win over the Jets, he was very good when under pressure.
According to Pro Football Focus, Richardson was under pressure on 43.8 percent of his dropbacks, which was the fourth-highest rate in Week 11. However, on his 12 pass attempts when under duress, Richardson would complete nine of those passes for 145 yards. That’s a hefty average of 12.1 yards per attempt.
Completion percentage-wise when under pressure, Richardson ranked fourth this week among quarterbacks. His 145 yards ranked third, and his 12.1 yards per attempt was sixth-best.
Prior to this game, Richardson had struggled when facing pressure. His completion rate was at just 35 percent, the lowest of any quarterback in the NFL. Richardson also averaged just 6.8 yards per attempt with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
So what contributed to Richardson’s stark turnaround when facing pressure?
Richardson’s ability to extend plays is obviously important, but as Dusty Evely wrote about in his latest edition of the ‘Colts Passing Chronicles,’ I think we can look at some the factors that led to Richardson’s overall improved play.
Evely notes that Richardson’s play within the timing of the offense was much better this week. This starts with more rhythmic footwork, helping him, one, have a solid base to throw from, but also helps him go through his progressions and the sequencing of the play with proper timing.
Then, generally speaking, there was also just a greater command and control of the offense, which when pressure hits, allows Richardson to get rid of the ball quickly, knowing where to go and where his outlets options in the passing game are going to be located.
So you add all of that up, and when pressure hits, there is no hesitation–the ball just came out and on target.
This performance when under duress is just another example of what made Richardson’s performance on Sunday so impressive. He didn’t just fill the stat sheet, but in critical moments, whether that be under pressure, in the red zone, or when trailing in the fourth quarter, Richardson was excellent.
Anthony Richardson makes a big splash in his return to the Colts lineup after being benched for Joe Flacco
The 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson made a serious comeback for the Colts this last weekend after previously being benched just three weeks ago. Richardson made a great first step in ensuring he remains the starter for the rest of the season with a big-time signature win over the New York Jets.
Poise in the pocket, ball placement, patience. That game-winning drive was everything you want out of a franchise quarterback from Anthony Richardson pic.twitter.com/cZxo7IcaNT
It goes without saying that Richardson looked much improved for the entirety of the contest against the New York Jets. With 20 completions on 30 attempts, netting 272 passing yards and a touchdown, Richardson was as efficient as he has been to this point in his career. Richardson, of course, also added to his stat line with his elite rushing abilities, posting 2 more touchdowns, including the game-winner in the 4th quarter.
This was a much-needed rebound for the young signal caller, who was the second first-round quarterback from his class, to experience a benching and then a swift resurgence. It’s likely Richardson will be the starter moving forward, and if he keeps his level of play equal to what he showed today, the Colts can be confident in their quarterback moving into the future.
Watch as Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson scores on a physical touchdown run in the first half against the Jets.
The Indianapolis Colts will enter halftime against the New York Jets with a 13-7, with their lone touchdown coming on a physical run by quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Facing a 2nd-and-goal from the two-yard line, from under center, Richardson faked the handoff to Ashton Dulin who was in motion and then rolled to his left.
Richardson would then stiff arm the defensive end to get away from him, and then with Jonathan Taylor as the lead blocker taking away one of the Jets’ defensive backs, Richardson would run through the other for the score.
It’s been an efficient first half for Richardson, who has completed 8-of-12 passes for 103 yards, with the offense generating three explosive plays through the air.
It’s been tough sledding on the ground, however, with Indianapolis averaging just 2.9 yards per carry as a team.
A major positive has been the emphasis from Shane Steichen on the run game, with the Colts carrying the ball 22 times in the first half, but more specifically, he is getting Richardson involved in that aspect as well.
This is the type of gameplan I’m assuming many thought they would see from the Colts this season with Richardson under center, but that hasn’t always been the case through the first half of the year.
After riding the bench for a couple of weeks, Anthony Richardson has been named the starting quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts for the rest of the season.
Former Florida Gators quarterback [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag], who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft, is once again the starter for the Indianapolis Colts.
Richardson was benched after removing himself from a Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans because he “was tired.” Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has started the past two games for Indianapolis in his stead.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen and his staff believed that the second-year pro needed to take “greater command of his off-the-field- preparation and attention to detail,” according to ESPN, and those changes have apparently been made over two short weeks.
“He’s going to start this week,” Steichen said. “He will start the rest of the season. And we will go from there.”
Richardson has taken a “deeper dive” into himself while on the bench and expressed gratitude for the time he has had to reflect.
“As a competitor, you never want to be on the sideline when you think there’s an opportunity to go out and help the team,” he said. “But sitting on the sideline just allowed me to just look and see certain things I could correct about myself, certain things that the team needed help with and I’m just forever grateful for the opportunity. I’m glad that Shane felt like I’m the guy again. I’m just forever grateful and I’m just thankful.”
Pat McAfee apologizes to Anthony Richardson
Following the benching, Richardson became the subject of much ire from fans and media types, including ESPN’s Pat McAfee—a former Colt.
“I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson,” McAfee wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday. “The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.”
However, McAfee changed his tune on Monday and issued an apology to Richardson.
“AR, I apologize for being so loud about you tapping out,” McAfee said. “It’s not good to have that happen for your team, but now I’m starting to think, did anybody-has anybody told AR how he’s supposed to be?… He’s got nobody telling him how to operate in that building.”
McAfee then directed his anger toward the coaching staff and front office in Indy, calling attention to the culture that’s developed over recent years. Drafting talented players is not enough to turn a franchise around, especially when many of the same people who guided the team to a No. 4 pick remain in charge.
The general populous appears to be rallying behind Richardson, hoping he’s learned a lesson and is ready to lead the team.
Richardson will return to the starting lineup on Sunday when the Colts head to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to face the New York Jets at 1 p.m. ET.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
On Wednesday, Anthony Richardson discussed his return to the Indianapolis Colts’ starting lineup after being benched two weeks ago.
Shane Steichen announced on Wednesday that Anthony Richardson would be back as the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
“Man, there’s a lot of appreciation, but it’s more so more understanding now,” said Richardson of being the starting quarterback. “You understand the magnitude of everything. You understand the magnitude of the position. You understand the magnitude of the work that you have to put in just to make sure you’re right for the team.
“But I definitely appreciate it. I’m forever grateful and happy and excited to get going this week again, but I’m thankful.”
The messaging–at least outside of the building–behind the decision to bench Richardson two weeks ago in favor of Joe Flacco was that Flacco gave the Colts the best chance to win. That became hollow pretty quickly, however, with the Colts offense struggling mightily over these last two weeks.
We then learned on Wednesday from Steichen that where the Colts wanted to see Richardson make strides was in the day-to-day details that come with the preparation of being an NFL quarterback.
So what did Richardson work on specifically over these last two weeks?
“Just showing them that I could do my work day-in and day-out consistently,” Richardson said on Wednesday. “As a pro you feel like, okay, I’m doing my work, I’m getting it done. That’s enough, but it’s never enough, especially not for the vets. They feel like if they have to do the extra work, you have to do it too. So that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Throughout the last two weeks, Steichen has been clear in that the team had never lost faith in Richardson, but that they were going through a necessary process to help with his development.
There was never a timeline for Richardson’s return to the starting lineup, it was all dependent upon how quickly he responded to the challenge that was in front of him.
“I’m still new to this,” said Richardson of being an NFL quarterback. “I’m still learning information. But when it comes to being a professional, you feel like you’re doing a lot of things right, but when it comes to sacrifice, there are always more things to sacrifice – like time and stuff like that. So just being a pro and just learning more about that. I’m glad Shane gave me the opportunity to do so.”
However, even with the setback and Richardson forced to watch from the sidelines these last two weeks, the locker room continued to support him as if he was the starter.
“Man, since I got here the guys always supported me,” Richardson said of the team. “I wasn’t even worried about them losing faith in me and losing any support.
“I just feel like there were more things that I had to showcase to them and show them that I’m willing to do a lot of things for them. So, the guys always supported me throughout this whole process, and I definitely appreciate them.”
In six games this season, Richardson was completing a league-low 44 percent of his throws at 7.2 yards per attempt with four touchdown passes to seven interceptions.
Consistency, particularly on the short to intermediate throws is what was lacking, but with his arm talent, Richardson brought a big play element to the passing game, not to mention the boost his presence provides the run game.
Although at 4-6, the Colts still find themselves in the AFC playoff mix. With Richardson showcasing improved attention to detail off the field, the hope now is that will translate to his play on the field, and give the Indianapolis offense a much-needed boost.
“I appreciate it,” said Richardson of the support from the fanbase, “but the only thing I’m willing to prove now is just like, I’m willing to be the guy for this team. Anything they need from me, anything they ask of me, I’m going to try to do it the best way I can.
“Whether that’s leadership, note taking, meetings, play style – anything that they need from me, I’m willing to do that and showcase that for the team and for the fan base because we all are trying to win and that’s the goal.”
While Jonathan Taylor is a top back and can be productive in really any environment, this recent development should provide a boost to the Colts’ running game.
As noted by Zach Hicks of Sports Illustrated’s Horseshoe Huddle, with Joe Flacco at quarterback this season, Taylor is averaging 4.4 yards per rush with an explosive run rate of 12 percent.
On the flip side, with Richardson under center, he is averaging 5.1 yards per carry with an explosive run rate of 17 percent.
While numbers can be misleading at times, this likely isn’t one of those instances. Defenses cannot defend Taylor nearly as aggressively when Richardson is under center because of his ability as a ball carrier. This also opens up more RPO opportunities for Shane Steichen to dial up.
In addition to the boost that Taylor looks to be getting with Richardson back on the field, defenses will now also have to account for designed quarterback runs–something that wasn’t in play with Flacco at quarterback–and, in general, be mindful of Richardson’s ability to extend plays and go off script, which on it’s own can lead to big plays, both on the ground and through the air.
A strong run game, in theory, can then have a positive trickle-down effect to the passing game. It helps keep the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations, forcing the defense to defend the entire field, creating space and potential one-on-one matchups to attack. A steady run game presence can also set up play-action opportunities as well.
This week, the Colts will be facing a Jets run defense that is allowing 4.3 yards per carry this season, which ranks 12th in the NFL through 10 weeks.
