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          Richardson hits Downs on 69-yard touchdown pass for Colts

          • Stephen Holder, ESPNOct 27, 2024, 01:52 PM ET
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              Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

          HOUSTON -- Quarterback Anthony Richardson and the Colts are back to the big play.

          Indianapolis took a 10-3 lead over the Houston Texans when Richardson hit receiver Josh Downs for a 69-yard touchdown that took advantage of a busted coverage.

          The Colts benefited from a natural pick created when receiver Alec Pierce ran a deep post from the opposite side of the field. Pierce rubbed against the defensive back following Downs -- who was also running a post -- leaving Downs all alone on the other half of the field.

          Meanwhile, Richardson stood tall in the pocket despite staring down the oncoming pass rush of defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who hit Richardson as he released the ball.

          The completion was the longest of Richardson's career, topping the 60-yard touchdown pass to Pierce against the Texans in Week 1.