On Sunday, the Colts set a franchise record with 335 yards rushing in a 38-30 victory over the Titans.
They kept it on the ground 50 times, compared to only 11 passes.
“That was probably a first for me,” Steichen explained. “That we were running it so well that we didn’t need to throw it.” So, that was impressive.”
However, Steichen was not concerned by the paucity of pass attempts. He also stated that Richardson’s interception on the second drive of the game had no affect on his play calling.
“I stuck with the run because it was working really well,” he said. “I mean, we were popping big runs and obviously had a franchise record of 335 (yards) and when something was working I wasn’t going to get away from it.”
Richardson attempted six passes in the first two drives prior to the interception. He had only five for the rest of the game, including three pass attempts in the second half.
He was effective in the air, though, completing seven of his eleven ball attempts for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Steichen also explained that having such a large advantage early in the second half influenced his decision to keep the ball on the ground.
“When you were running it that good and you’re up 38-7, and you’re still running it good the way we were to get 38 points, shoot it was awesome to be a part of that,” Steichen exclaimed.
The Colts’ 11 pass attempts were the fewest they’d had since 1974, when they attempted 11 passes in a win over Atlanta.
With the win against the Titans, the Colts are still alive in the playoff push. They take on the Giants in New York on Sunday, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m.
