THE Indianapolis Colts are one of several teams that will enter Week 15 on the playoff bubble.
So what gives the Colts hope that they can make a solid playoff push over their final four games?
Recently, Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com provided a reason why every team on the playoff bubble should be optimistic until the end. For the Colts, the choice was obvious: the play of Anthony Richardson.
“Give credit to Richardson and the Colts: They took what could have been a disastrous situation and turned it into a positive one,” Chadiha wrote. “The same quarterback who was on the bench for a few games a few weeks ago has become a more confident leader who has led his team to two wins in its last three games, with Richardson scoring the decisive points in both wins. “
Since his return to the starting lineup, we’ve seen a much more refined version of Richardson. Even when the stats don’t always reflect his level of play, Richardson has a much better command of the offense, is balanced, and often plays with the pace and structure of the game, which results in more consistent performances.
But the most impressive aspect of it all, as Chadiha mentions, is that Richardson orchestrated two game-winning drives late in the game, performing at his best when the game was on the line.
In fact, from Weeks 11-13, Richardson was PFF’s sixth-highest rated quarterback during that span.
When the Colts benched Richardson, they wanted him to step back and focus on the details of the day-to-day preparation that comes with being a starting quarterback. This refocused approach has certainly played a role in improving his game.
But we also saw Shane Steichen dial up more quarterback-designed runs and move Richardson on throws, and use his strengths, and what sets him apart, to his advantage.
The Colts find themselves in what is basically a must-win game this week against Denver. But if they can come away with the win, they’ll be just one game behind the Broncos for the final playoff spot, Indianapolis will hold the head-to-head tiebreaker and have the easiest remaining schedule in football.
Richardson’s play has provided this team with a much-needed spark, but the help around him is still needed. The run defense needs to be strengthened after being crushed by New England, and continued success with Jonathan Taylor and the running game will be essential in order to alleviate some of the burden on the passing game, not to mention the drop . passing has also hurt the offense lately.
This article was originally published on Colts Wire: NFL.com gives a reason why the Colts should have hope in the playoff chase
