The Indianapolis Colts’ offense did what it does best, which is generate another explosive play in the passing game.
Facing a 2nd-and-9 from their own 31-yard line with one minute left in the first quarter, Anthony Richardson took the snap and connected with wide receiver Josh Downs for a 69-yard touchdown pass to give the Colts the 10-3 lead at that time.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON TO A WIDE OPEN JOSH DOWNS.
69-YARD TD.
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📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/02H5eeGnvB— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024
A few key elements to making that play happen was the play-action component with Jonathan Taylor, who was averaging over 5.0 yards per carry early in the game.
Richardson also did a nice job of hanging in the pocket to deliver the pass as a Houston pass rush was closing in.
Lastly, the reason Downs was so open was because of the natural pick from Alec Pierce who rubbed against the defender that was following Downs.
All season long, the Colts have been very good at generating big plays, but what they need is more consistency on the short to intermediate throws along with maintaining that balance between the run and passing plays.
