Anthony Richardson looked like a different quarterback in his return to the Indianapolis Colts’ starting lineup last week.
He consistently connected with open receivers, showed command of the game, and ran with confidence.
Now, last year’s No. 4 overall pick is determined to prove that his standout performance against the New York Jets was no fluke, aiming for an encore that will reshape his long-term image. “The key is consistency, trusting my teammates, trusting the play calls, and trusting my preparation,” Richardson said. “It’s all about putting in the work throughout the week and letting it show up on Sundays.”
Against the Jets, Richardson completed 20 of 30 passes, threw for one touchdown, and ran for two, including the game-winning score in Indy’s final possession. This was a stark contrast to his earlier struggles, when he had completed just 44.4% of his passes, with four touchdowns and seven interceptions.
This week, the challenge grows as the Colts (5-6) face the 9-1 Detroit Lions. Detroit is off to its best start since 1934, leads the NFC with the league’s best record, and boasts a league-high eight-game winning streak, scoring over 40 points in half of those victories.
While the stakes are high, Richardson remains unfazed. “If you look at it that way, it can push you to try to do too much,” he said. “But I think that’s a negative because you’d be trying to play to their standards.”
Richardson’s improved performance also presents new challenges for Detroit’s defense, especially if coach Shane Steichen continues to use the 6-foot-4, 244-pound quarterback’s running ability more frequently.
Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. noted that the game plan and play calling against the Jets allowed Richardson to settle in and build confidence.
Lions coach Dan Campbell saw Richardson’s re-emergence differently. “I think last week was Richardson at his best,” Campbell said. “I’m not sure you can compare it to earlier in the year, as it seems like they’ve taken the handcuffs off and let him go.”
Could this new approach help Richardson build on his 6-5 starter record and become a more consistent passer? That’s what the Colts hope to see when he faces one of the Super Bowl favorites this Sunday.
“I’m still putting in the work every day,” Richardson said. “I’m not focusing on last week’s success, just trying to keep building and stacking good days.”
Relentless running
Lions running back David Montgomery rarely goes down after the first hit, always fighting for extra yards by powering through tackles.
“He’s a throwback,” said Campbell.
A throwback to which players exactly? Campbell mentioned Hall of Famers Walter Payton and Earl Campbell.
“When I watch him, it just reminds me of some of the great ones,” Campbell said. “The first guy’s not bringing him down. He keeps his legs moving, stays violent, and never gives up.”
Playing keep away
While Steichen wasn’t revealing much about his strategy, he acknowledged the best way to slow down Detroit’s high-powered offense is by controlling the clock.
This isn’t a tactic the Colts have used much this season, ranking 31st in time of possession at 26 minutes, 40 seconds. However, utilizing Richardson more as a runner, particularly on early downs, could change that.
“We need to do a great job of maintaining the ball,” Steichen said. “Detroit has been explosive all year. We’ve got to limit those big plays, tackle well, and ensure there’s plenty of players around the football.”
Opportunity knocks
Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone fractured his left forearm in the blowout against Jacksonville, adding to a growing list of injured players on the defensive side, including two others in his position group.
Malcolm Rodriguez, who missed two games with an ankle injury, returned last week.
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