INDIANAPOLIS — Josh Downs, a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, expressed his enthusiasm following the announcement that Anthony Richardson would resume his role as the team’s starting quarterback. On Sunday, both players showcased their excitement and skills during an exhilarating game.
Downs executed an impressive diving catch for 31 yards on Richardson’s opening pass of the game. He concluded the matchup with five receptions totaling 84 yards and scored one touchdown, playing a significant role in leading the Colts to a vital 28-27 victory over the New York Jets.
“You all know he’s my guy,” Richardson commented about Downs shortly after the game. “It’s my responsibility to get him the ball. I’m confident that he will find ways to get open, regardless of who is defending him, so a shoutout to J.D. for stepping up today.”
Downs’ stellar performance may have aided Richardson in making a breakthrough. Throughout his initial two seasons, the former Florida player had not started more than four consecutive games, often leading to fluctuations in his gameplay. However, Sunday marked the most productive and efficient performance of his career, showcasing remarkable improvement.
Prior to the game, Richardson held the league’s lowest completion rate at 44.4%. By the end of the match, he had completed 20 of 30 passes for a career-high 272 yards along with one touchdown, complemented by two powerful rushing touchdowns, notably a decisive 4-yard run that put the Colts ahead with only 46 seconds remaining in the game. His quarterback rating of 106.5 was the best of his career.
The Colts are optimistic that this performance could signal a turning point for Richardson’s career. “He was exceptional. His composure was outstanding,” remarked head coach Shane Steichen after benching Richardson for a couple of games earlier. “We recognize his talent, and he put in tremendous effort this week. He needs to maintain this level because we understand the kind of player he has the potential to be.”
The uncertainty surrounding what to expect from Indy (5-6) moving forward remains. Richardson initially sat out as Steichen sought to encourage the No. 4 overall pick from last year’s draft to evaluate his gameplay more closely, focus on the finer details, and make greater sacrifices for the team.
Downs observed noticeable changes in Richardson’s approach and expressed hope that these developments will propel the Colts back into playoff contention. “He’s been putting in a lot of extra effort, spending time with coaches, the offensive line, and the running backs. He was committed before, but he has really stepped his game up,” Downs said. “I assured him I would support him throughout the game, and he made all the right decisions, showing determination and leadership.”
As for the Colts’ ground game, the final statistics — 35 carries for 91 yards — might not seem impressive at first glance. However, the presence of both Richardson and Jonathan Taylor in the backfield forced the Jets’ defense to respect both threats. This strategy enabled Richardson to exploit opportunities downfield effectively.
On the other hand, the offensive line needs improvement. The Colts had three rookie players starting on Sunday, which was evident during critical moments, particularly with an early strip-sack of Richardson that the Jets turned into a touchdown, allowing them to momentarily take the lead. If these young players continue to feature in the lineup, they will need to enhance their run-blocking skills.
In terms of standout performances, defensive end Kwity Paye impressed after adjusting to changes brought on by the injury to Samson Ebukam. After dealing with his own injury, Paye showcased his previous form on Sunday, recording two sacks, including one that clinched the game. He now has a total of 3.5 sacks for the season.
Conversely, quarterback Joe Flacco’s stock seems to be falling. Despite some promising performances in his first four games with Indy, the designation of Richardson as the starter for the remainder of the season likely limits Flacco’s opportunities moving forward.
Fortunately for the Colts, they appear to be in relatively good health as they had no new injuries reported following their latest game. Steichen confirmed that all players listed on last week’s injury report participated in the matchup against the Jets. The main question going into this week may revolve around whether wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will return after missing the previous game due to a back issue.
A significant number to note is five, as Indianapolis’ defense started strong against the Jets, allowing five consecutive three-and-outs without permitting a first down until the last two minutes of the first half.
Looking ahead, while Richardson’s performance against the struggling Jets (3-8) was commendable, the real test lies ahead as he faces off against the formidable Detroit Lions (9-1) and their aggressive defense, which has historically forced him into costly errors during his past games.