Anthony Richardson’s return was highly anticipated, but there were still a lot of unknowns. Would he show growth after two weeks of studying the game? Would the Colts adjust their strategy to fit his strengths, or would they stick to the same pass-heavy plan?
The results were encouraging. Richardson made smart decisions as a passer, with no turnovers, and took hits as a runner without backing down. He had a couple of mistakes, like a strip-sack and a fumble with Jonathan Taylor, but he bounced back and led the team with two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. His final stats were impressive: 20 completions on 30 attempts, 272 yards, 1 touchdown, no interceptions, and two rushing touchdowns.
For weeks, fans had hoped to see a game plan that took advantage of Richardson’s strengths, like how Jalen Hurts thrives with a strong running game and quarterback-designed runs. The Colts finally delivered, using plays like quarterback powers, zone reads, and keeping things low-risk. This approach helped Richardson settle in and get back on track after a tough couple of weeks.
The opening plays set the tone, focusing on the run game to slow things down and take some pressure off Richardson. As Mo Alie-Cox said, the game plan gave Richardson time to settle in, build confidence, and avoid tough situations early on.
So, why didn’t the Colts go with this plan sooner? Early on, they wanted to protect Richardson. After last year’s injuries, they thought it was safer to develop him as a passer. But with key players injured, the team had to adjust, and they couldn’t keep relying on a pass-heavy approach that wasn’t working.
Once they brought Richardson back, the Colts committed to fully evaluating and developing him. Even though he took some big hits, like his tough touchdown run, it was clear they were willing to take risks to help him improve. Richardson still needs to work on his passing, but he’s on the right track.
The offensive line is a bigger concern. With three rookies starting, communication and protection were an issue, making it tough for any quarterback. The Colts need to figure out how to better protect Richardson, especially if Bernhard Raimann can return to left tackle.
One area where Richardson needed growth was reading the blitz. The Colts spent extra time preparing him to recognize pressure before the snap, so he could make quicker decisions and avoid scrambling. This will take time, but it’s a crucial part of his development.
Joe Flacco’s struggles in recent weeks made it easier for the Colts to turn back to Richardson. Flacco’s turnovers and lack of success put the team in a tough spot, and it became clear they needed to give their rookie quarterback another shot to stay in the playoff race.
The Colts’ defense is still inconsistent, especially in the run game, but they’re showing signs of improvement. They allowed a touchdown to Breece Hall but need to be more consistent if they want to compete with better teams.
Despite the challenges, the Colts are still in the playoff hunt with a 5-6 record. A bright spot has been rookie Josh Downs, who’s proving to be one of the best draft picks the Colts have made. He’s excelling as both a slot receiver and a punt returner, showing leadership and making big plays, like the 31-yard catch early in the game that set the tone for the offense.
This game was a solid start for Richardson’s development, and the Colts are hopeful that he’ll continue to grow as they face tougher opponents in the weeks ahead.
