Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was happy to hear that Anthony Richardson would be returning as the team’s starting quarterback last week.
On Sunday, both players showed exactly why they were excited to team up again.
Downs made an impressive diving 31-yard catch on Richardson’s first throw of the game, finishing with five catches for 84 yards and one touchdown. His performance helped his close friend and draft classmate lead the Colts to a crucial 28-27 win over the New York Jets.
“You guys know that’s my guy right there,” Richardson said when asked about Downs. “It’s my job to get him the ball. I know for a fact he’s going to get open no matter who’s guarding him, so shoutout to J.D. for making it work.”
Downs’ strong performance may have also helped Richardson have his best game yet.
Richardson, who has never started more than four consecutive games in his first two seasons, has struggled with consistency. But on Sunday, he played his most complete game so far.
Entering the game with the league’s lowest completion rate at 44.4%, Richardson completed 20 of 30 passes for a career-high 272 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for two touchdowns, including a crucial 4-yard score with 46 seconds left to give the Colts the lead. His quarterback rating of 106.5 was the best he’s ever posted in a game he started and finished.
The Colts are hoping this performance will be a turning point for Richardson.
“He was great. Composure was phenomenal,” coach Shane Steichen said after benching Richardson for two games. “We know how talented he is. He put in great work this week, and he’s got to continue that because we know what type of player he can be.”
What the future holds for the Colts (5-6) is still uncertain.
Richardson had been benched earlier in the season because Steichen wanted the young quarterback to take a step back, focus on the little details, and learn to make more personal sacrifices for the team.
Downs saw those changes and believes they will help the Colts get back into playoff contention.
“I know he’s been doing a lot of extra stuff, meeting with coaches, offensive line, running backs. He was doing that before, but he’s really taken it up a notch,” Downs said. “I told him I had him all game and he made the right plays. He ran the ball hard and he put the team on his back.”
