AP (Indianapolis) When Anthony Richardson made his comeback to the starting lineup for the Indianapolis Colts last week, he looked like a different quarterback.
He connected with open receivers every time. He ran with authority and seemed to be in charge. Now, with an encore performance he thinks would alter his long-term image, last year’s No. 4 overall draft pick wants to prove to those who doubt him that the best game of his professional career was not an anomaly.
“The most important thing is to be consistent, to trust my guys every single play, to trust the play call every single play, and then to trust the preparation,” Richardson stated. “It’s just putting in the work throughout the week and letting it show out on the pitch on Sundays.” When the NFL’s least accurate starting quarterback completed 20 of 30 throws, passed for one touchdown, and ran for two more, including the game-winning score on Indianapolis’ final possession, that formula worked flawlessly against the reeling New York Jets. Compared to the player who had completed only 44.4% of his passes while throwing four touchdown passes and seven interceptions, it was a significant change.
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Anthony Richardson, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, (5) breaks a tackle against Jalen Mills, the safety for the New York Jets, (35) as he crosses the goal line to score a touchdown. (Photo by Seth Wenig/AP)
With Detroit, the challenge is more difficult and the stakes are bigger this week. The Lions (9-1) are having their greatest start since 1934, have the best record in the NFC, have won eight straight games, and in half of those eight victories, the team with the highest scoring total has scored more than 40 points. The Colts (5-6) appear to be under pressure to score dozens of points as a result of everything. However, the unflappable Richardson rejects this idea.
When you look at it that way, you’re undoubtedly trying to push yourself and do a little bit more,” Richardson said. However, to be honest, I believe that to be a drawback. You’re attempting to meet their expectations.” Detroit’s defence will have more challenges as a result of the new and improved Richardson, particularly if coach Shane Steichen switches back to a scheme that makes better use of the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson’s powerful legs.
Michael Pittman Jr., a receiver for the Colts, stated that he believed Richardson was able to develop confidence and become comfortable with the game plan and play calling against the Jets. On video, Lions coach Dan Campbell had a different perspective on Richardson’s comeback.
“I think what you saw was, last week (was Richardson) really, at his best,” Campbell stated. “I´m not even sure you can go back to earlier in the year because I feel like they´ve taken the handcuffs off of him and allowed him to just go.” Could Richardson become a more reliable thrower and improve his 6-5 starting record with the new approach? When he takes on one of the NFL’s Super Bowl favourites this week, the Colts obviously hope to see that again.
“I’m still putting the work in every day,” he stated. “Trying not to focus on everything good I did last week, just trying to keep it going and just keep stacking up the days.” David Montgomery, a running back for the Lions, rarely goes down on the first hit; instead, he lowers his shoulder and keeps his legs churning to gain extra yards. “He’s a throwback,” Campbell described him as. To whom exactly is it a throwback? Walter Payton and Earl Campbell, two Hall of Fame running backs, were mentioned by Campbell. Campbell stated, “The first guy won’t allow him to tackle him.” He keeps churning his legs. Simply violent. Never give up. Never letting go. He just makes me think of some of the greatest ones when I see him.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Steichen acknowledged that playing keep away is the most obvious strategy to slow down Detroit’s high-scoring offence, but he was not giving away any details of his game plan. Indy hasn’t employed that strategy very much this season. With a time of possession of 26 minutes, 40 seconds, the Colts are placed 31st. However, Indy might be able to change the course on Sunday by playing Richardson as a runner, particularly on early downs. “I think we´ve got to do a great job of maintaining the ball during this game to limit their chances because they are explosive, and they´ve been doing it at a high level all year,” Steichen stated. “The explosive plays must be eliminated.
We must have a population for the football game.
In the rout against Jacksonville, Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone broke his left forearm, adding to a long list of injured defensemen that also includes two other players in the position group. Malcolm Rodriguez will probably take on a bigger role after making a comeback last week following a two-game layoff due to an ankle injury. “It doesn´t matter who we get back, we´re going to use him,” Campbell stated. “He supports us both on special teams and defence.”