The Indianapolis Colts won a close game against the New York Jets 28-27 on Sunday afternoon. With a fantastic return performance from Anthony Richardson leading Shane Steichen’s attack, it’s time to dive into the ups and downs of Indy’s impressive showing to get to 5-6.

Riser | Matt Gay

Kicker Matt Gay has struggled with longer attempts this season, but was perfect against the Jets. Gay accounted for 10 of Indianapolis’ 28 points that day, showing his huge contract is worth it. On the season, Gay is 19/22 in field goals and perfect with 20 extra points.

The position of gays is scrutinized every week, but is often forgotten when the points arrive en masse. Look for the former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion to continue to master the deep kick as he scored a stunning goal from 56 yards against New York. This should give the former Utah Ute utmost confidence ahead of a home defense against the Detroit Lions.

Faller | Colts defense against Davante Adams

Jets superstar pass-catcher Davante Adams led the charge for New York’s reception against Indianapolis. While the Colts defense performed solidly against the pass, Adams found ways to leak out of coverage and secure six catches on seven targets for 72 receiving yards (12.0).

While Adams’ performance warrants dropping the Colts’ secondary film room, it is much better than last year. Adams toasted Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents as Las Vegas Raiders receivers in 2023 for 13 catches, 126 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, so this performance against New York is a huge improvement. But with Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way, Indy’s second line must resolve any remaining issues in coverage.

Riser | Jaylon Jones

Colts cornerback Jones is making improvements in year two as a pro. The former Texas A&M Aggie alum finished Sunday afternoon’s game with 5 tackles and 2 passes defensed.

While Adams led the Jets in receiving yards, fellow star Garrett Wilson was held in check by Jones and Co. in the secondary, catching just 4 of 8 targets for 18 receiving yards (4.5 average). While Jones has had his moments where he has had to adapt, the 22-year-old is looking good and will only get better with more experience in year two.

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Faller | Hanging out with Javon Kinlaw and Quinnen Williams

The Jets had a brutal rushing defense heading into a matchup with the Colts. This spelled potential disaster for New York, as the Colts could use Richardson and Jonathan Taylor as ground weapons. However, Indy’s rookies Tanor Bortolini and Dalton Tucker struggled in the trenches against defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Quinnen Williams.

Kinlaw had 5 tackles (1 for loss) and a sack. Williams recorded 7 tackles (2 for loss) and another sack, reaching Richardson in the passing attack and Taylor in the ground game at will. Taylor was on pace for a big performance against a struggling Jets defense, but was limited to just 57 rushing yards on 24 carries (2.4 average). If the Colts don’t want to demand so much from Richardson to win, they’ll have to play better against opposing defensive fronts.

Riser | Anthony Richardson

Enough can’t be said about Richardson’s determination against a tough Jets pass defense after being benched just two weeks earlier. Richardson finished 20/30 passing for 272 passing yards, 1 touchdown (Josh Downs) and no interceptions. Richardson was also a driving force in the run game, picking up 32 rushing yards on 10 attempts (3.2 average) and 2 more touchdowns. While there were two fumbles (1 lost) by Richardson; the quarterback looked poised, calm and comfortable.

The NFL world watched as Richardson returned from his benching, but the second-year pro had perhaps the best game of his young career. Steichen’s offense couldn’t get going from Taylor, but Richardson still put the hasty plan in motion. The passing attack was faced with a brutally strong Jets secondary, but Richardson found his targets and was more accurate than ever. If Richardson can carry this performance into Week 12’s home battle with the Lions, Indianapolis may have a better chance to win than anyone.

Faller | With Breece Hall

The Jets came into this game with one of the NFL’s worst rushing attacks, but Breece Hall made the Indianapolis defense look silly on Sunday afternoon. Hall finished as the Jets’ top offensive weapon with 121 all-purpose yards (78 rushing, 43 receiving) and 2 scores (1 rushing, 1 receiving).

While the Colts have defensemen like Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner in the trenches, they can’t run more against running backs like these if they want the playoffs to become a reality. With the Lions and a fearsome duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery leading the way, Indianapolis will work to improve despite road wins.

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