INDIANAPOLIS -- Anthony Richardson couldn't find the end zone Sunday, so the Indianapolis Colts quarterback found a way to help a teammate get there instead.
With Indianapolis at the Chicago Bears' 1-yard line with 29 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Richardson handed the ball to running back Trey Sermon, who was met almost immediately in the backfield by an unblocked defender.
But that's when Richardson sprang into action, initiating a sort of reverse "tush push" play that sparked a cavalcade of teammates to join in. Together, they helped shove Sermon the final 3-plus yards across the goal line for a touchdown.
The Colts went on to win 21-16 for their first victory of the season.
"We've just got each other's backs," Richardson said. "So, whenever there's an opportunity, just go help somebody out. You want to do it. You've got to find a way to do something to help the team fight if you're not going to pass the ball [accurately]. So, I was just trying to find a way just to help the squad."
Richardson was frustrated with some inaccurate passes on a handful of seemingly easy throws, resulting in abrupt ends to several drives. He finished 10-of-20 for 167 yards and two interceptions. Richardson has a league-high six interceptions through Sunday's early games.
But his determination to impact the game in any way he can, as he has done with his tough-nosed running, has made an impact on teammates.
"You have a quarterback that'll get his nose in there when it's time," running back Jonathan Taylor said.
The Philadelphia Eagles popularized the tush push as their offensive line has become adept at successfully pushing quarterback Jalen Hurts on QB sneaks. But with Richardson, it was the quarterback doing the pushing this time.
"There had to be four or five guys in there," guard Quenton Nelson said. "I think Anthony might've been the first one. I saw him there and I was like, 'I need to get over there.'"