EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The sharp suit Anthony Richardson donned upon his arrival at MetLife Stadium on Sunday suggested he meant business.

But when the Indianapolis Colts quarterback engineered two fourth-quarter touchdown drives — including the game-winner with 46 seconds left — to beat the New York Jets while justifying his reinstatement as the team’s starter, Richardson left it out no doubt that he would come here. with a purpose.

Richardson, the No. 4 draft pick in 2023, had perhaps the best day of his young career as he led the Colts to a 28-27 victory that kept their postseason hopes alive and a worrying downward trend in the attack was reversed – not to mention the end. a three-game losing streak.

The past two games, which saw Richardson sit on the bench and serve as a backup to veteran Joe Flacco, have been a wake-up call for the young player.

“It just let me relax a little bit,” Richardson said. “It allowed me to take a step back and clean up a few things that I needed to clean up. And that was really my focus, making sure that when I got the chance again, making sure I was at my best. and I did the right thing for the team.”

Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said last week he wanted Richardson to focus more on the details of game preparation.

Richardson’s coach and teammates said they saw a renewed level of concentration from him ahead of Sunday’s game, his 11th professional start. He came to work earlier in the morning, spent more time meeting with assistant coaches and took more responsibility for the game plan, they said.

“He did the work,” Steichen said. “He was ready to roll today.”

Results followed. Richardson completed 20 of 30 attempts for a career-high 272 yards and was responsible for three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing). He was especially brilliant in the fourth quarter, completing 8 of 10 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.

Richardson and the Colts drove 70 yards on eight plays in a possession capped by a 10-yard touchdown pass from Richardson to receiver Josh Downs with 10:11 remaining. A failed two-point conversion left the Colts still down 24-22.

Indianapolis’ defense gave up a field goal on the ensuing drive, with Aaron Rodgers and the Jets eating up 7:30 in the process and extending their lead to 27-22.

That’s when Richardson’s moment arrived. The Colts got the ball with 2:41 left and two plays later Richardson produced the biggest play of the day for the Colts. Receiver Alec Pierce found a hole in the Jets’ zone coverage, and Richardson hit him with a perfectly placed holeshot from 39 yards. Richardson found Downs for 17 yards on the next play, and the Colts found themselves on the Jets’ 10-yard line, poised to win the game.

On third-and-goal from the 4, Steichen didn’t think about it: He put the ball in the hands of his towering quarterback, with the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson executing a power run from the left side and into the end zone.

The score sparked a wild celebration on the Colts sideline.

“Emotions were at an all-time high,” Richardson said. “I was so excited that we scored.”

Calling a quarterback run in that situation was an extension of Steichen’s changed offensive approach throughout the day. He implemented more throws on the run and designed quarterback runs for Richardson, with the decision playing to the quarterback’s strengths.

Richardson didn’t have great rushing numbers — 32 yards on 10 carries — but he has said before that carrying the ball allows him to get into the flow of the game. And Richardson’s ability to run short-yardage was crucial, evidenced by the game-winning touchdown run and his earlier score where he flattened safety Jalen Mills on his way to the end zone, then did a TikTok dance in celebration.

“I think it helps our offense get into a rhythm,” Richardson said.

Most importantly, Richardson showed he was worthy of the trust placed in him this week. He had his job taken away and saw faith restored. But he still had to prove he could do his part.

“I definitely appreciate them for trusting me and believing in me throughout the entire process, no matter what was going on,” Richardson said.