At the end of October, questions lingered on Bryce Young’s availability on the trade market, and Anthony Richardson was in the process of being benched. Few talked much about the potential for the first and fourth picks in the 2023 NFL draft to bounce back, and show why they were taken that high in the first place.

Colts coach Shane Steichen said there was never a question about going for 2 and the win vs the Patriots. Here's why.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) enters the end zone to complete a two-point conversion as New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. Credit: AP/Steven Senne

Richardson's dual-effort ability was put on full display. He ended the game completing only 12 of his 24 passes for 109 yards, yet threw for two touchdowns, including a throw to score in the final seconds to Alec Pierce, alongside 48 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and the game-winning rush for a two-point conversation.

For Anthony Richardson to grow behind the scenes, his head coach needed to grow in front of them. And that's what Shane Steichen showed Colts players.

After the narrow victory of the Indianapolis Colts over the New England Patriots in Foxborough, HC Shane Steichen made something clear about Anthony Richardson's current level of play. The Indianapolis Colts secured an important victory over the New England Patriots last weekend,

It took a lot of cojones for Steichen to call that, with all that has transpired this season, the fact that a loss would basically end the season, and perhaps even his tenure as the Colts’ head-coach,