The Jets had taken a 27-22 lead when Anders Carlson booted a 35-yard field goal with 2:41 left on the clock. However, Richardson, who had previously been benched for two games in favor of Joe Flacco, orchestrated a pivotal drive that led the Colts down the field. He first connected with Alec Pierce for a 39-yard gain and then found Josh Downs for another 17 yards, positioning the team at the 10-yard line. On the following series of plays, Richardson sprinted to the right and crossed into the end zone, putting the Colts ahead. The Colts’ attempt for a two-point conversion failed when Jonathan Taylor was met by a wall of Jets defenders, leaving Aaron Rodgers and New York with one final opportunity—albeit without any timeouts remaining.
The Jets’ last possession started poorly as Kwity Paye sacked Rodgers and forced a fumble that was ultimately recovered by New York. After Hall caught an 11-yard pass, a delay-of-game penalty against the Colts’ E.J. Speed put them in a tighter spot. Paye then recorded another sack on Rodgers, sealing the Colts’ win and bringing their record to 5-6, thus ending a three-game losing streak.
Richardson, who was drafted fourth overall last year, showcased impressive growth during the game, finishing with 20 completions on 30 attempts for 272 yards and one touchdown pass to Downs. He also rushed for 32 yards and scored two touchdowns on ten carries. In contrast, Rodgers managed to throw two touchdown passes, but the Jets continued to struggle, suffering their seventh loss in eight games, now sitting at 3-8 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.
Rodgers completed 22 of 29 passes for 184 yards, but started sluggishly, throwing just 76 yards in his first 13 attempts. The Jets didn’t earn a first down until their sixth offensive possession. The turning point for the Jets came early in the third quarter when Breece Hall rushed for an 18-yard touchdown, following a crucial strip-sack of Richardson by Jamien Sherwood and the recovery by Javon Kinlaw at the Colts’ 25-yard line.
Midway through the third quarter, Matt Gay kicked a 56-yard field goal to bring the Colts back into the lead at 16-14. The Jets answered back when Carlson, playing as the fourth kicker for the team this season, successfully converted a career-long 58-yard field goal, putting New York ahead again at 2:54 remaining in the third quarter. Kenny Yeboah later recorded his first career touchdown with an 11-yard reception, extending the Jets’ lead to 24-16 early in the fourth quarter.
Initial struggles in the game saw the Jets fail to register a first down over their first five possessions, causing frustration among the MetLife Stadium crowd. However, they eventually gained momentum, as Rodgers connected with Hall for a touchdown just before halftime, closing out the second quarter at 13-7.
Injuries played a role in the game as well, with Jets’ edge rusher Haason Reddick exiting in the second quarter due to an ankle injury.
Looking ahead, the Colts will host the Detroit Lions next Sunday, while the Jets will have a bye week before facing the Seattle Seahawks at home on December 1.