Dopey Report Card -- Colts vs. Jets

Anthony Richardson played his best game as a pro, and it wasn't even close. In a related story, the Jets really stink.

RUN OFFENSE

Not a lot to talk about here, but Indianapolis was operating with three rookies on their offensive line while playing against one of the better rush defenses in the league. Jonathan Taylor ran 24 times for 57 yards while Anthony Richardson, who had more designed runs than he’s had in any game this season (or last) rushed 10 times for 32 yards and avoided several negative plays by holding off would-be tacklers and throwing the ball away. We’ve been screaming all season for Richardson to be more involved in the running game; Sunday, the Colts utilized his legs beautifully on a day that included two AR TD runs in which he trucked defenders. “It looked like the (Jets) dude got hit by the Holy Ghost,” tight end Mo Alie-Cox said.

Grade: C

RUN DEFENSE

More than good enough. Breece Hall had his moments both running and catching passes, finishing with 78 rushing yards and 43 in the passing game. But the Colts held up, allowing 91 rushing yards on 20 carries. E.J. Speed led the Colts in tackles, although he can’t be taking an obvious delay of game penalty late when the Jets were hurrying up trying to get the go-ahead score in the final seconds. It didn’t burn Indy, but he’s got to be smarter. Anyway, the Colts did not allow the Jets a first down on New York’s first five possessions, the first time they’ve pulled that off since 2005. That’s an awful long time.

Grade: B

PASS OFFENSE

I’m going to say something that might not be popular, but here it goes: I think Shane Steichen did Anthony Richardson a favor by benching him for two games. Richardson hated it, obviously, but it forced him to grow up and do the things necessary to prepare for big games – and this was a big game, keeping the Colts on the edge of the playoff race. It also helped that Steichen and Jim Bob Cooter designed a great game plan that allowed Richardson to get comfortable early with QB runs, rollouts and easy throws. AR led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, including the game winner when the Colts gained possession with 2:41 remaining. He looked calm, collected and he was accurate, completing 67 percent of his passes. Michael Pittman Jr. had five receptions after a couple of quiet, injury-plagued weeks and Josh Downs was typically good, finishing with five catches. The rookie-laden offensive line held up well enough.

Grade: B+

PASS DEFENSE

Aaron Rodgers had decent numbers – 22-of-29 for 184 yards – but he never seized control of the game. Does he look washed? Yes, he does. He rarely if ever got the ball deep downfield, mostly checking down to his outlet receivers. Kwity Paye had a monster game with seven tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble, perhaps his best game as a pro. It was his third multi-sack game. Jaylon Jones, who Chris Ballard trusted to hold down one of the corner spots, has been everything the GM hoped he would be, credited with two pass defenses. Sam Womack has been another bright spot.

Grade: B+

SPECIAL TEAMS

Talk about hidden yardage. The Colts rolled up 151 yards in return yardage – Downs (37 yards), Tyler Goodson (71) and Ashton Dulin (43) – while Rigo Sanchez continued his great season and Matt Gay made all three of his field goal tries, including a season-long 56-yarder. In a close game, those return yards consistently set the Colts up in good field position and made a big difference.

Grade: A-

COACHING

Loved the game plan. Loved it. Where has this been all season? Steichen and Cooter finally figured out how to draw the best out of Richardson, making him comfortable early with lots of QB runs and short, relatively simple passes. Of the first 11 snaps, just one was a pure dropback. Richardson is a unique talent with some obvious shortcomings at this young stage of his career, and the coaching staff put him in positions to be successful and grow his confidence. Also agreed with the Colts’ decision to go for it on fourth and short in Jets territory early, setting up a field goal that gave Indy a 13-0 lead.

Grade: A

INTANGIBLES

It sounds fairly insane to talk about the Colts as a playoff contender, but there they are, right on the cusp of things, and their schedule the last five games is relatively soft. This was a must win against a struggling team and it sets up the final stretch of the season. Most important, though, I feel like the coaching staff found something when it comes to game-planning with Richardson. This was the most comfortable he’s looked since he came into the league. Next week is going to be a challenge – the Lions are among the best teams in the league, if not the best – but then the schedule gets much more manageable with games against the Patriots, Broncos (huge game), Titans, Giants and Jaguars. Sounds crazy, but a wildcard is not beyond the realm of possibility.