“The routine plays, that’s really what I’ve struggled with throughout my career,” Richardson said. “I just want to get better at that, because making a routine play and just moving the ball downfield, that helps you stay on the field, move the ball, get down in the red zone so you can guarantee some points and secure some points. So I just want to get better at that, and when the big plays do come I’ll be able to hit them.”
On the first drive Richardson led, he did just that; the longest completion in the 12- play, 90-yard drive was a 21-yard pass. The touchdown that came at the end of the drive was a three-yard rush from running back Tyler Goodson, and the rest of the drive was comprised of efficient, quick plays captained by Richardson.
“That’s just me trying to execute within the offense and just do my job, and if a guy’s popping open I gotta get the ball to him,” Richardson said.
Arguably his most impressive throw of the day – a deep ball down the sidelines to wide receiver Anthony Gould – was called back due to an offensive offsides call on wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, and he was sacked on the next play to close out the first half.
“Felt like I had a smooth rhythm first drive,” Richardson said. “Second drive, wish we put up more points down there, but felt good just being out there that second quarter, just moving the ball… making the routine plays, being out there moving the ball, managing the game, I felt good about that. But just trying to keep going and keep improving.”
After Saturday’s game, head coach Shane Steichen said he was “very close” to making a decision on who the Colts’ starting quarterback will be come week one against the Miami Dolphins. And while both Jones and Richardson obviously have that on their minds, their bigger priorities are continuing to work on their individual games and improving however they can.