Anthony Richardson Makes History as Runner: Crunching Numbers

The Indianapolis Colts got a lopsided win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, 31-20. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson made some history despite playing just over a quarter.

The Indianapolis Colts put their first win of the year on the board on Sunday after defeating the Houston Texans on the road, 31-20, at NRG Stadium.

This one took a total team effort on offense, defense, and special teams, and in the end, the visitors totally outmatched their AFC South division rival.

The Colts lost starting quarterback Anthony Richardson for the game due to a concussion and he was replaced by Gardner Minshew, who came in and led three consecutive scoring drives.

Along with the quarterbacks, the following achievements were provided postgame by Colts Communications.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Passing: QB Gardner Minshew | 171 yards

Rushing: RB Zack Moss | 88 yards

Receiving: WR Michael Pittman Jr. | 56 yards

Tackles: LB Zaire Franklin | 13

Sacks: DT Taven Bryan, DT DeForest Buckner, DE Samson Ebukam, DE Jake Martin, DE Kwity Paye, LB E.J. Speed | 1.0

Takeaways: DE Kwity Paye | 1 fumble recovery

Kicking: K Matt Gay | 1-of-1 field goals (100%), 4-of-4 extra points (100.0%)

Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 5 punts, 44.0-yard average, 2 inside-20

Returns: Isaiah McKenzie | 1 punt return, 0.0-yard avg.

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OFFENSE

Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

• The Colts' 28 first-half points were the most by an NFL team this season.
• The Colts didn’t allow a sack for the first time since Week 6 of 2022 (Jacksonville Jaguars).

Quarterback Anthony Richardson was 6-of-10 passing (60.0%) for 56 yards (5.6 YPA) and a 75.4 passer rating. He also ran the ball 3 times for 35 yards (11.7 avg.) and 2 touchdowns.

• Sunday was the youngest starting quarterback matchup in NFL history with Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud and was only the second quarterback matchup in NFL history with two quarterbacks under the age of 22.
• Richardson passed George Shaw (54) for the most rushing yards by a Colts rookie quarterback in his first two games.
• Richardson became the first Colts rookie quarterback to rush for a touchdown in each of his first two games.
• He is the first Colts quarterback to rush for two touchdowns in a single game since Jacoby Brissett in Week 12 of 2020.
• Richardson compiled two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and became the first Colts player to do so since Edgerrin James in Week 11 of 1999.
• Richardson is the third quarterback in NFL history with three-plus rushing touchdowns in his first two career games, joining Daunte Culpepper and Jack Thompson.
• Richardson became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to rush for two touchdowns in a single game, surpassing Lamar Jackson (21 years, 357 days).

Tight end Kylen Granson caught 3-of-4 targets for 16 yards (5.3 avg.) and 1 touchdown.

• It was his first career touchdown.

DEFENSE

© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

• The Colts' 6 sacks were their most since Week 15 of 2022 (7, Minnesota Vikings).
• The Colts' 52 rushing yards allowed were their fewest since Week 4 of 2021 (Miami Dolphins).

Linebacker Zaire Franklin had 13 tackles (1 for loss).

• Franklin (30 tackles) passed Shaquille Leonard (28 in 2018) for the most tackles by a Colts player in the first two weeks of the season.
• Franklin is the fourth Colt to ever record at least 13 tackles in consecutive games, joining Shaquille Leonard, David Thornton, and Mike Peterson.

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