Colts vs. Jets Week 11: Everything we know from Indy's 28-27 win

The Indianapolis Colts (5-6) kept their playoff hopes alive after narrowing out a 28-27 victory over the New York Jets (3-8). 

This game started with a great defensive effort from the Colts, who didn't allow the Jets to move the sticks for the first time until the final two minutes of the first half. This allowed Indianapolis to get out to a 13-0 lead but it was quickly squandered after New York scored on back-to-back drives to take a 14-13 lead.

They scored a touchdown in the final two minutes of the first half and took advantage of an Anthony Richardson fumble to begin the second half. After that point, it was a hard-fought effort between both teams, which saw two lead changes when the Jets took a 24-16 lead with 13:03 left in the fourth quarter. 

When it looked like it was going to be a lost day for the Indy offense after struggling in the third quarter, it was Richardson and the passing attack that kept them in this contest.

He would lead a 70-yard touchdown drive to make it a 24-22 game. After the defense held New York to a field goal that made it a 27-22 game, it was on the young signal caller to come through for his team. 

With 2:41 left in the fourth quarter, Richardson made some big throws down the field to Alec Pierce and Josh Downs to get the offense to the 10-yard line. He would go on to power his way into the endzone to give his team a 28-27 lead.

The Jets still had a shot to win it but in the end, Kwity Paye got his hands on Aaron Rodgers to seal the victory. 

Here's everything we know from the Colts' Week 11 over the Jets:

Colts vs. Jets final score, game recap Week 11

Final Score: Colts 28, Jets 27

Keys to the Game

• The Indy defense forced four three-and-outs and a turnover on downs on New York's first five drives of the game. They held the Jets to four-of-13 on third downs.
• Anthony Richardson's fumble on the first drive of the second half. It gave the Jets' great field position and took the lead on a Breece Hall 18-yard touchdown run. 
• After New York took a 24-16 lead, Anthony Richardson went five-of-seven for 69 yards and found Josh Downs for a 10-yard touchdown to make it a 24-22 game.
• Richardson went 3/3 for 60 yards on three straight throws to get the Indy offense to the New York six-yard line. He would run in the game-winning touchdown for four yards. 

Stars of the Game

1. QB Anthony Richardson: The second-year quarterback went 20-of-30 for a career-high 272 passing yards and a touchdown. He never threw over 225 passing yards in a game entering today. He also had 10 carries for 32 yards and two touchdowns. 
2. DE Kwity Paye: Paye registered seven tackles (six solo), two TFLs, two QB hits, and a season-high two sacks. He ended New York's last hurrah by getting his hands on Aaron Rodgers. 
3. DE Laiatu Latu: The rookie edge rusher finished with three tackles (two solo), two TFLs, three QB hits, and a sack. 

Biggest Takeaway

This was a game that Anthony Richardson and the Colts needed. It wasn't the perfect performance by Richardson, but he willed his team to a win in the fourth quarter when it mattered. Despite his fumble that gave the Jets a spark and the lead, and a poor showing from the offense as a hole in the third quarter, he delivered when it mattered and it was by his arm that got it done. 

His fourth quarter is one he can look back on and build up his confidence going forward. It just can't be one game, Richardson has to continue to stack performances like this to finish out his Year 2. 

Quick Hits

• Per Next Gen Stats, Anthony Richardson completed 9-of-12 attempts of 10+ air yards for a career-high 185 yards, including two-of-two for 56 yards on downfield passes on the game-winning drive.
• Per Next Gen Stats, Richardson's completion percentage of 75.0% on downfield pass attempts is tied for the fifth-highest in any game this season (min. 10 attempts).
• Matt Gay made a season-long 56-yard field goal. Those three points proved vital to the final score. 

Injuries

• Bernhard Raimann (knee) was inactive.

What's next?

The Colts are back at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 12 to host the red-hot Detroit Lions (9-1).