Colts would like to have a ‘bell cow’ at running back

Nov 14, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmet on the sideline prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmet on the sideline prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts made a big midseason trade to bring in Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson. He failed to live up to expectations carrying the ball less than three yards per carry.

More from Indianapolis Colts

Richardson is being given the chance to earn the starter’s role this season, and starting in the race to the depth chart at the top of it. He’ll have competition from Ahmad Bradshaw and Vick Ballard for playing time. Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said that he is looking for a “bell cow” at running back.

“I think through the course of camp it’s all going to take care of itself, shake itself out,” Pagano said, via ESPN. “You’d like to have a bell cow. We’ll see if that happens…We’ll do a good job of getting the guys the necessary reps to make evaluations. If someone separates himself and becomes that guy then that’s your bell cow.”

As for Richardson, he feels a lot more comfortable in the offense according to Pagano.

“He’s a lot more comfortable,” Pagano said. “Basically it was survival for him at first, memorization. Now he has a better understanding scheme-wise, why we’re doing things, why we’re calling certain things, how we run plays. He has a better feel for guys he’s playing with, the line, guy in front of him, the fullback. He’s obviously in a much better place.”