INDIANAPOLIS – Just like that, there undoubtedly was a major revision to the New York Jets’ defensive game plan. Version 1 might have been found in the nearest trash bin.
With the Indianapolis Colts undergoing their second quarterback switch in three weeks on Tuesday, the focus transitioned from dealing with Joe Flacco, who operates in the pocket, to Anthony Richardson, whose talents allow him to flow here, there and everywhere.
“He brings a unique skillset,’’ Jonathan Taylor said Thursday. “So then now the defense is in a bind. They have to pick their poison. They have to figure out, ‘How do we want to defend this play, this scheme, the formation that they’re in?’ It’s a whole different dynamic that gets added when he’s in the game and that’s what makes him special and that’s what makes it so tough for defenses to defend.’’
Compounding the challenge should be the latest pairing of Taylor with Richardson.
Taylor is averaging 88 yards per game and 4.9 per attempt and has cracked the 100-yard barrier in four of his seven starts, including a first-half-heavy 114 yards in last Sunday’s loss to Buffalo. Despite missing three games with a high sprain to his right ankle, he’s on pace for roughly 1,200 yards.
Now, add Richardson to the mix.
In his five games with Richardson, Taylor has averaged 90.8 yards per game and 4.9 per attempt with five touchdowns. That dips to 81.0 and 4.8, respectively, in two games with Flacco.
On the Richardson meter, his 242 yards are second to Taylor’s 616 and have been accumulated while missing two games with a hip injury and two more with the demotion.
Richardson’s impact, though, transcends the raw numbers.
“Definitely No. 1, you always have to account for him,’’ Taylor said. “Even if he takes a step left, a step right, there had better be somebody there accounting for him. Otherwise, they’re gonna pay. I’m excited to see the plays that he makes. He’s coming into his own and just be able to see those plays. You guys see it. Each and every single week he’s out there, there’s always a few plays that you’re like, ‘Man, I don’t know too many other people that can do that.’’’
The Colts’ run game has generated 12 plays that have gained at least 20 yards. Taylor has seven, which is fourth-most in the league. Next in line: Richardson’s three.
Nearly 30% of Richardson’s 41 rushes/scrambles in his six starts have picked up at least 10 yards. That’s twice Taylor’s ratio (15.1%, 19 on 126). Richardson has gotten free for at least two 10-plus rushes in four of his six starts and had three twice.
It’s up to Shane Steichen and coordinator Jim Bob Cooter to tap into the skillset of their 6’4″, 250-pound quarter. Richardson has been limited to six carries or fewer in four of his six starts, but generated at least 45 yards on three occasions.
Maximizing the Taylor-Richardson tandem has been the objective for the past two seasons. Year 1 was sabotaged by Taylor’s ankle rehab/contract squabble and Richardson’s season-ending shoulder injury. They were on the field for just two snaps.
Year 2 has given a better glimpse of what general manager Chris Ballard and Steichen anticipated.
In Richardson’s six starts – Taylor has been with him for five – the run game has averaged 140.8 yards per game and 5.0 per attempt. The per-game average would rank No. 7 in the league while the per-carry would trail only Baltimore (5.7) and Arizona (5.2).
With Flacco under center and no threat to contribute, the numbers plummet to 92.0 and 4.1, respectively. Three of the Colts’ four least productive run games have been with Flacco, and two of the worst – 99 yards at Jacksonville, 80 at Tennessee – were without Taylor.
The Richardson influence can’t be overstated.
In his 10 career starts, the run game has averaged 136.3 yards per game and 4.8 per attempt. In the other 17 games: 112.3 and 4.2.
Also, the presence of Taylor and Richardson in the backfield should open up opportunities in the passing game.
Richardson must show marked improvement with his accuracy – a league-worst 44.4% – but he’s delivered six completions of at least 40 yards. That’s tied for fourth-most in the league even with the four missed games.
It’s difficult to gauge what awaits the Colts Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets have lost six of seven and are 3-7, but their defense ranks No. 7 overall (302.3) and No. 10 in points (21.4). They boast the league’s No. 2-ranked pass defense (168.3) but are No. 25 against the run (134.0).
The Jets have allowed at least 147 rushing yards in four of their last five games.
Kelly on the mend
Ryan Kelly remains confident he’ll get back on the field this season. The Pro Bowl center will miss a second straight game and remains on the injured reserve list after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
The earliest Kelly can return is the Dec. 15 trip to Denver. His rehab will benefit from the Colts’ bye week, which is prior to the Broncos game.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.