Richardson Goes Full Thrill Ride: TD Runs, Turnovers, and a 61-Yard Miracle in Preseason Tie

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Preseason football is supposed to be a snooze-fest. Apparently, nobody told Anthony Richardson.

The Colts' ultra-talented backup quarterback turned Thursday night's preseason opener against the Patriots into a full-on rollercoaster — scrambling for a touchdown, flashing that rocket arm, and then reminding everyone why he's still a work in progress with two killer turnovers.

The Good, The Bad, The Richardson

Richardson got the start with Daniel Jones and a pile of Indy starters resting. And he delivered fireworks. He went 11-of-14 for 145 yards and punched in a 1-yard sneak for the score.

But the 2023 No. 4 overall pick also lost a fumble and had a pass tipped by receiver Coleman Owen right into the hands of Patriots cornerback Kindle Vildor. Add an interception by John Saunders Jr., and the Colts were swimming upstream all night with four turnovers.

That's the Richardson experience, folks. Electric. Chaotic. Never boring.

Patriots' Backup Battle Gets Interesting

While Drake Maye and most New England starters watched from the sideline, Tommy DeVito made his case. The former Giants practice-squad legend completed 13 of 22 passes for 128 yards and hit Kyle Williams for a 12-yard touchdown. He's now the No. 2 guy after Joshua Dobbs was released in March, and he inked a two-year extension to stick around.

A 61-Yard Rescue & A Missed Ending

The Colts looked dead in the water until Spencer Shrader stepped up and drilled a 61-yard field goal with 1:16 left to tie the game at 13.

The Patriots drove into Indy territory late, but Anthony Borregales' 49-yard attempt with 13 seconds left sailed wide left. No overtime in preseason, folks. We get a tie. A perfectly unsatisfying way to open the exhibition slate.

Other Storylines

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was nowhere to be found — no pregame warmups, no sideline. He's holding in amid extension talks, and his absence from Tuesday's joint practice makes you think this could get messy.

Mike Vrabel was on the sideline, coaching like it's his job (it is), after a bizarre offseason involving leaked photos with longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini.

Injuries: Colts CB Jaylon Jones left in the third quarter. Patriots OL Ben Brown exited in the second, and G Andrew Rupcich got banged up in the fourth.

Up next: The Colts host Atlanta on Aug. 22. The Patriots host Philadelphia the same night. Preseason football, baby. It counts... kind of.