Colts’ Trent Richardson to open camp as starting running back
By Mike Dyce
The Indianapolis Colts made a blockbuster trade early in the 2013 season to bring running back Trent Richardson in from the Cleveland Browns. The Colts had hopes of a deep playoff run and with injuries at running back needed an improvement.
Unfortunately Richardson didn’t provide the numbers the colts asked for, averaging less than three yards a carry. The built in excuse was Richardson learning the offense on the fly, in the middle of the season. Well that excuse isn’t available in 2014 with a full offseason behind him, and the Colts are committed to giving him another shot.
From ESPN.com:
"The pressure is on Richardson, because Grigson said earlier this year he would make the trade again if put in the same position. Richardson, the No. 3 overall pick in 2012, had offseason shoulder surgery and will head into training camp as the starter, with Ahmad Bradshaw ready to take some snaps from him if he struggles."
Bradshaw was effective in the little time he saw with the Colts last season. He got 41 carries in just three games but averaged 4.5 yards per carry, and in 2012 he rushed for over 1,000 yards in just 14 games. Bradshaw isn’t a bad insurance plan but the Colts need Richardson to live up to his potential as a top draft pick that they traded for, a pick that the Browns used to draft Johnny Manziel.