Anthony Richardson’s otherworldy throw was the NFL’s longest non-Hail Mary pass since at least 2016

Anthony Richardson made history at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday with his gargantuan touchdown pass.

The lows were low however the highs were of the highest caliber for Anthony Richardson‘s debut back from a season-ending injury. As you’ve likely seen 100 times by now, Richardson’s slip ‘n slide backfoot bomb to Alec Pierce was an unreal sight. Some people have said it was the best throw at Lucas Oil Stadium since Andrew Luck was quarterbacking the Colts, however, it just might be the greatest throw the stadium has ever seen.

From all angles, the throw in question was unreal. The sheer ability to launch the ball that far downfield itself is otherwordly, but how he got it there was what was most impressive. Richardson had no business falling backward, recovering with no room to set his feet, and firing off a deep ball off of his backfoot with minimal torque, but he did, and it was jaw-dropping.

Colts HC Shane Steichen said it was “probably the best throw I’ve ever seen” and further likened the throw to something only Patrick Mahomes can achieve, per Stephen Holder of ESPN.

The process and result of this play were unlike anything Colts fans have seen in a long time, and probably ever, but what came in between it all is what provides even more perspective at the absurdity of said throw. What followed the slip and preceded the eventual touchdown would be historical: 65.3 air yards according to NextGen Stats.

This statistical output would be good for the third-longest throw by air yards since 2016 (when NextGen Stats started tracking it). However, when you crunch the numbers you realize that the only two throws longer than this came on two Hail Mary attempts, thus providing ammo to the ludicrousness that was Anthony Richardson’s throw.

Also, as previously mentioned, this data only tracks back to 2016, therefore Richardson could’ve very well displayed one of the biggest throws of all time on Sunday.

Although the missed routine throws were frustrating, grace must be given to Richardson and Co., at least early on, as it is still essentially his rookie season. Couple that with an OL that had to transition itself from a unit that blocks for Richardson to one that blocked for Gardner Minshew, as well as sprinkle in the fact that Josh Downs was out and Colts pass catchers need games together to build a legitimate rapport with their quarterback, the lows don’t seem as low as they did mid-game. Only time will tell, but it looks as if Indianapolis finally has their franchise QB — and a fun one at that.