It’s attending to the purpose of the 2024 NFL season by which numerous groups have to think about every recreation a digital must-win contest so as to have the ability to clinch a playoff spot this winter.
The Indianapolis Colts could have single-handedly saved their playoff hopes alive on Sunday with a 28-27 win over the struggling New York Jets, and it marked quarterback Anthony Richardson’s return to the beginning lineup after spending a while as a backup behind Joe Flacco.
Richardson’s numbers on Sunday had been stable, if not spectacular — he accomplished 20 of 30 cross makes an attempt for 272 yards and one landing whereas scoring two dashing touchdowns — and it was his four-yard landing run with lower than a minute left within the fourth quarter that gained the sport for Indianapolis.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky mentioned that Sunday’s recreation was the most effective Richardson has performed within the NFL and that he appeared extra poised than he did earlier than he was benched.
“This was the most effective recreation of Anthony Richardson’s profession,” mentioned Orlovsky.
Richardson was the No. 4 choose within the 2023 draft, and he noticed his inventory rise after the scouting mix, though his passing statistics on the College of Florida had been meager.
He struggled as a rookie, finishing simply 59.5 p.c of his cross makes an attempt earlier than a shoulder damage ended his 12 months after 4 video games.
His lack of ability to be correct early this season presumably led Colts head coach Shane Steichen to bench him in favor of the seemingly ageless Flacco.
However Richardson’s dual-threat skills have made him an intriguing participant, and if he builds on his efficiency on Sunday, maybe he can carry the Colts to the ultimate wild-card playoff spot within the AFC.
NEXT:
Colts Announce 4 Roster Strikes On Saturday