The Indianapolis Colts earned their first victory of the 2024 season with a hard-fought 21-6 win over the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. This victory elevates the Colts to a 1-2 record, while the Bears, along with their city counterparts, the Chicago White Sox, collectively slump to a combined 37-122 record for the season.
Anthony Richardson’s Rollercoaster Performance
The game’s main talking point revolved around rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson’s performance. Completing 10 of 20 passes for 167 yards, Richardson threw two interceptions, culminating in a dismal 39.0 passer rating. Despite his struggles, the Colts found a way to secure the win, a testament to their resilience.
This marked a historic low for the Bears. As Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times noted, the Bears haven’t conceded such a low passer rating to a starting quarterback who played the entire game and lost since 1994. This fact underscores the Colts’ ability to clinch a win even when their quarterback wasn’t firing on all cylinders.
The key takeaway from the game is clear: while Anthony Richardson develops into the driving force behind Colts’ victories, the team must find ways to win around him. Sunday’s game demonstrated exactly that.
“They figured out how to win the game today without Anthony playing his best,” observed Colts Ring of Honor wide receiver Bill Brooks. “And if you’re on that Colts roster, knowing he’s only going to improve, it’s huge. You realize there will be days when the quarterback isn’t at his best, but you’re good enough to win regardless. It’s about holding it down until he gets better each week.”
A Tale of Two Halves for Richardson
While the plays were there for Richardson, his misses were glaring, even more so than in Week 2 against Green Bay. His second interception, intended for a wide-open Michael Pittman Jr., was particularly egregious. Richardson overthrew his receiver, sending the ball straight into the waiting arms of Bears cornerback Jaylen Johnson.
Post-game, Richardson admitted to getting “a little bit too excited” seeing Pittman open, leading to a rushed throw. The sentiment among his teammates, however, painted a different picture. Leaders like Ryan Kelly, Quinton Nelson, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman Jr. expressed their respect and inspiration drawn from Richardson’s performance.
Richardson’s Leadership Shines Through
One particular play resonated with the team: Trey Sermon’s gritty touchdown run. When Sermon was hit behind the line of scrimmage, Richardson was the first one to push him forward. Nine Bears defenders eventually rallied to the point of attack, but with Richardson, Mo Alie-Cox, Michael Pittman Jr., Bernard Raimann, and Quinton Nelson all pushing, Sermon crossed the goal line.
“You don’t see quarterbacks do that,” remarked Nelson, highlighting the rarity of a quarterback inserting himself into such a play. This act of grit resonated deeply with his teammates.
Richardson, reflecting on his actions, stated, “You’ve got to find a way to do something to help the team if you’re not going to pass the ball correctly, so I was just trying to find a way to help the squad.”
His self-awareness and determination to contribute despite his passing struggles were evident. This resonated with the team. Ryan Kelly, when asked if he speaks to Richardson after mistakes, simply said, “No, I don’t have to say anything to him because he comes back, he’s already hard on himself, and I see the way that he perseveres through adversity.”
The Team Believes in Richardson
The team’s faith in Richardson was palpable. In the post-game locker room, after Shane Steichen addressed the team, Richardson took over, acknowledging his need to improve while celebrating the team win. A voice from the back shouted, “We’re behind you, brother!” This encapsulates the trust and belief the team has in their young quarterback.
The Colts understand that Richardson’s development will take time. He possesses the athleticism and playmaking ability to keep them in any game, a fact not lost on head coach Shane Steichen. There will be growing pains, but the team is willing to ride it out, knowing the potential he holds.
Patience is Key
Historically, teams completing under 55% of their passes haven’t fared well in the playoffs. The 2012 Colts, with Andrew Luck’s rookie year completion percentage of 54.1%, serve as an outlier. The last team to achieve playoff success with a sub-50% completion rate was the 1987 Houston Oilers. The need for improvement is evident, but patience is crucial.
The Bears’ own quarterback situation, with Caleb Williams at the helm, offers a point of comparison. Williams showcased his talent, demonstrating the highs and lows characteristic of young quarterbacks. The Bears are likely to face growing pains as well, underscoring the need for patience in Indianapolis.
Jonathan Taylor Powers the Offense
While Richardson’s development continues, Jonathan Taylor carried the offensive load for the Colts. With 23 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive 29-yard run, Taylor was the engine that drove the Colts’ offense. His performance was a return to form, showcasing the patience, vision, acceleration, and speed that have become his trademarks.
“He was very patient, very methodical,” observed Brooks. “Averaging nearly five yards per carry against a good Bears run defense is impressive. It speaks volumes about him and the offensive line.”
This performance was particularly impressive considering the Bears’ defensive strength. Their ability to stop the run and force opponents into short, safe passes presented a challenge for the Colts’ offense. The fact that they were able to establish the run effectively speaks to their offensive game plan and execution.
A Defensive Masterclass
The Colts’ defense delivered a dominant performance, limiting the Bears to a meager 63 yards on 28 carries, averaging a mere 2.3 yards per carry. This continues the trend from the Green Bay game, where they stifled the Packers’ run game in the latter part of the game.
Their impact extended beyond stopping the run. They forced three turnovers: two interceptions by Jaylen Jones and a strip-sack of Caleb Williams by Dayo Odeyingbo, recovered by Grover Stewart. The Colts capitalized on these turnovers, converting them into crucial touchdowns.
“A lot of those turnovers were timely,” noted Brooks. “Odeyingbo’s strip-sack, in particular, was huge. To get that turnover in a one-score game and then capitalize with a touchdown was a turning point.”
The Colts’ defensive performance was particularly noteworthy given the Bears’ need to rely on their passing attack. DeAndre Swift, held to a paltry 20 yards on 13 carries, couldn’t get going, forcing the Bears into uncomfortable passing situations.
Secondary Holds Strong
The Colts’ secondary, despite facing a high-volume passing attack from the Bears, held firm. Jaylen Jones’ two interceptions were the highlights, showcasing his ball-hawking ability. The coverage, particularly from the cornerbacks, was commendable, limiting big plays and forcing Caleb Williams into contested throws.
Building on a Gritty Win
The Colts’ victory over the Bears, while not a masterclass in offensive efficiency, highlights the importance of complementary football. The defense stepped up when the offense sputtered, and the offense capitalized on the opportunities created by the defense.
This win, while requiring further refinement, provides a platform for growth. The Colts have a lot to work on, but the belief in Anthony Richardson and the team’s ability to win even when he’s not at his best is a promising sign.
