Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is looking to rebound after a rough performance against the Denver Broncos, where he completed just 44.7% of his passes and threw two interceptions. As the Colts prepare to face AFC South rivals Tennessee Titans this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, Richardson has an opportunity to turn things around. However, it won’t come easily against a Brian Callahan-led defense that has proven formidable in 2024.
Passing: A Chance to Reset
Richardson’s accuracy has been a glaring issue this season, and the numbers speak for themselves: he’s completed just 47.0% of his passes (119/253) for 1,683 yards, seven touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Those statistics raise concerns about his ability to effectively lead the Colts’ passing attack. However, this game against Tennessee provides an opportunity for improvement, as their defense, while strong in some areas, has vulnerabilities that Richardson can exploit.
The Titans rank 27th in the NFL in sacks (28), with Harold Landry III (8 sacks) and Arden Key (6.5 sacks) being the primary contributors. Although Tennessee’s defense has recorded 10 interceptions this season, it hasn’t been enough to intimidate opposing quarterbacks. This matchup, therefore, offers a “get-right” scenario for Richardson to boost his confidence and efficiency as a passer.
The Colts will be without Alec Pierce, meaning Richardson must rely on receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and AD Mitchell. Tennessee’s inability to consistently pressure quarterbacks should allow Richardson more time in the pocket to make calculated decisions. However, while the matchup favors improvement, Richardson’s accuracy may still fall short of the 60% mark.
Passing Prediction: 19 completions on 33 attempts (57.6%) for 228 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
Rushing: Room to Shine
On the ground, Richardson’s athleticism gives the Colts a significant edge. Against the Broncos, he showcased his mobility, averaging 6.6 yards per carry on seven attempts, including a highlight-reel 23-yard touchdown run. Tennessee’s run defense, which ranks 12th in the NFL (allowing 115.2 rushing yards per game), presents a challenge but lacks the high-end playmakers that Denver possesses.
Given Richardson’s ability to create plays with his legs, head coach Shane Steichen is likely to incorporate more quarterback-designed runs into the game plan. While running back Jonathan Taylor remains a critical part of the Colts’ offense, getting him into rhythm will be essential to take pressure off Richardson.
With Richardson likely to exceed seven rushing attempts, he has the chance to make a significant impact on the ground. However, given his tendency for occasional mistakes, one misstep—a fumble or a poorly-timed decision—could dampen an otherwise strong performance.
Can Richardson Deliver?
This matchup against the Titans is a defining moment for Richardson. It’s a chance for him to move past his struggles in Denver and show that he can rise to the occasion when his team needs him most. The Titans’ defensive weaknesses in generating pressure provide an opening for Richardson to find his rhythm in both the passing and running game.
While he is unlikely to be perfect, this game offers a path for Richardson to take a step forward, improve his metrics, and help the Colts stay competitive in the AFC South. Whether or not he can seize this opportunity remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on Lucas Oil Stadium to see if the young quarterback can bounce back.
