Since returning to the Indianapolis Colts’ staring lineup, Anthony Richardson’s play has greatly improved, including on the short, lay-up-like throws that need to be taken advantage of.
As noted by Zach Hicks of SI’s Horseshoe Huddle, prior to Week 11 on pass attempts under 10 air yards, Richardson had completed 64.9% of his 57 passes for 326 yards with three interceptions.
However, in the three games since he’s returned, Richardson is completing 78 percent of those 37 short-yardage throws for 231 yards with three touchdowns.
“I’ve seen great growth in a lot of phases,” said Shane Steichen on Monday. “His pocket presence has been really strong the last couple weeks. He’s delivering the ball where it needs to go. He’s making a ton of plays with his legs, which is great, and we’ve just got to continue that these next four weeks, for sure.”
The difference in yards per attempt between the two samples is relatively small with Richardson averaging 5.7 yards in the first sample compared to 6.2 yards in the second.
But the obvious difference, and the most important, is that he’s taking care of the football on these throws and is much more efficient.
Behind any success or failures in the game of football, there are often many factors in play. But the increased success from Richardson on these short-area throws likely stems from his improved command of the offense over the last three games, often playing within the rhythm and structure of the play.
This then leads to improved footwork and therefore mechanics, resulting in better accuracy, along with getting the ball out on time and knowing where his outlet options are if the downfield routes aren’t available.
Even through the ups and downs that the passing game had through the first half of the season, before Richardson was benched, the Colts’ offense was one of the better teams at generating explosive pass plays.
However, lacking was their efficiency on these short to intermediate passes, which put the offense behind the sticks and frequently resulted in short possessions and quick punts.
Improved efficiency on these throws will help provide the opposite of what was just described, by helping the offense stay in manageable down-and-distances by generating positive plays, hopefully leading to longer, more successful drives.
