Did Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson just relaunch his career?

After sitting on the bench for Weeks 9 and 10 and looking overwhelmed for most of this season, Richardson returned to the Colts’ starting lineup on Sunday against the New York Jets as backup QB Joe Flacco became a turnover machine. The 2024 No. 4 overall pick promptly put together the most impressive game of his career, dropping the Jets to 3-8 after a 28-27 road win.

In doing so, Richardson led the first game-winning drive of his career — six plays, 70 yards — which he capped with a 4-yard touchdown run with 46 seconds left.

“It’s pretty cool, especially to do it against the Jets and Aaron Rodgers,” Richardson told reporters. “I’ve been watching him since I was a kid. So it’s a blessing to be able to go against a legend.”

The risks of drafting Richardson have been realized in 11 games of his career. He is an electric athlete with game-breaking ability, a deadly runner and passer on deep throws. But he’s not polished in the pocket and his accuracy has suffered; he had a 59.5% completion percentage in four games last year, a figure that has dropped to 44.4% in six games from 2024.

When it all comes together for Richardson, it looks like Sunday: 20 of 30 passing for 272 yards and one touchdown and two rushing TDs on 32 yards (10 attempts).

Another indictment of a Jets defense that has looked aimless since the firing of coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start?

“I won’t say I was the most prepared or confident,” Richardson said. “It was the most relaxed I’ve ever been. There was actually no pressure on me at all. I was just there playing, one piece at a time. I just focused on my assignment. I tried not to put too much pressure or do anything.”

The Colts are 5-6 and in the thick of the playoff race, while the 3-8 Jets are trying to sell their fan base so next week will be better.

Rodgers threw two touchdown passes and running back Breece Hall had a TD catch and ran for a score, but the Jets dropped their seventh in eight games to fall to 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

Rodgers was 22 of 29 for 184 yards after a brutally slow start in which he went 9 of 13 for just 76 yards. New York failed to get a first down until the sixth offensive possession, when they made two and scored a touchdown.

“I mean, it’s disappointing,” Rodgers said, repeating the theme of the day for the Jets. “I know I’ve said that three times now, but we’ve worked really hard to figure out what the issues are. It’s not just one person. Sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s someone else.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report