Facing historically inaccurate quarterback Anthony Richardson may be just the medicine the Jets defense needs with just two interceptions all season.
Then again, a bucket-read option that highlights Richardson's strengths — which will be on display Sunday when the Colts visit MetLife Stadium — might be just the thing to break down a Jets defense that must be weary of facing dual threats after allowing five touchdown rushes to the quarterback. In the last five games, including two last week to Kyler Murray.
“You see him on film ignoring guys sometimes,” said Javon Kinlaw, a 320-pound defensive tackle. “It's like 'fuck.' He doesn't care [about contact]. “I'm looking forward to the challenge.”
The 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, returns to the starting lineup after two games.
His 44.4 completion percentage over six starts is the worst in the NFL since draft bust Akili Smith's 44.2 percent over 12 games in 2000, but Richardson is averaging 16.4 yards per completion.
“He can throw the ball really deep,” DJ Reed said. “He throws it deep, too. There's one in particular on film against the Texans that's as good a deep ball as you can get. We have to respect that, as well as his ability to run.”
The Jets actually started the week with two separate defensive play plans: one for Richardson and one for backup Joe Flacco “because it feels like two separate offenses,” according to interim head coach and defensive play caller Jeff Ulbrich.
More specifically, he said, “The passing game is very similar,” but the Colts like to fall back on Richardson's legs in critical situations.
“We have to keep an eye on that, because it's something we've fought for,” Reed said.
Running right at Jets defensive ends Haason Reddick (pass rusher via trade) and Micheal Clemons (who was prone to faking out of position) could be a winning strategy for opponents.
CJ Stroud — the only quarterback not to rush for a touchdown against the Jets in the last five games — still rushed for 59 yards, so there's been no break lately.
“This dude is legit 4.3[-second speed] Safety Chuck Clark said of Richardson, who is also a senior. “You're on the field covering some fast guys with deep balls and then you turn around to see him. You just have to go for the tackle.”
Tackles were the Jets' main focus all week as they took the unusual step of drilling twice on the pads after 20 fouls against the Cardinals.
Richardson isn't the type to get thrown to the ground without wrapping up properly either.
Especially if he's trying to silence critics ready to write him off as the next draft pick.
“Heavy for something to prove, but who has nothing to prove?” Kinlaw said. “When you play a guy on the move, you have to push [the pocket] With vision. You must use your own extension. “You can't get buried there because when you try to stand up and tackle those guys, the offensive guys get you.”
The Colts will have three rookie offensive linemen blocking Richardson.
If the protection is fragile, Richardson is vulnerable to off-the-mark short and intermediate throws, as he has thrown interceptions (seven) on an NFL-high 5.3 percent of his passes.
The Jets play the seventh-most man-to-man coverage in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
What the Jets don't do is ignore Richardson's raw talent and treat him as a break.
Josh Allen, Russell Wilson, Drake Maye, Stroud and Murray all protected the ball during a five-game interception drought.
“It's frustrating, but there's really no excuse,” Reed said, taking responsibility for the team's turnaround by criticizing himself for the missed interception opportunity that became a pass interference penalty last week.
“Man coverage comes with risk because if you look back for the ball, you have to make sure you're in a great position to make the play. Because if you're not, and you turn your back, you give the receiver a chance to push.
And the Jets — who may need a win to stay in the playoffs — aren't playing with any margin for error.
“Everyone develops at their own pace,” Clark said. “I'm sure [Richardson] He has a chip on his shoulder, but it's not something we can think about. We expect the best from him.”
