Boy oh boy was the expression many Indianapolis Colts’ fans had described Colts’ running back Trent Richardson for the roller coaster season he had last year. Fans were hype last season when they landed Richardson from a trade with the Cleveland Browns, but as the season wore on Richardson was not producing. This season coaches are very optimistic about using Richardson as a third down back.
Last season Richardson owned up to his lack luster productivity and said some demanding words about his self; “I have to step up no matter what the looks are, no matter how many tight ends we bring, no matter what blocks I have to pick up,” Richardson said. “I have to be sure I’m doing my job on all ends. I’m not going to blame it on my linemen nor will I blame it on my quarterback. I’m not going to blame it on my offensive coordinator neither. “It’s all on me and I understand that i have to go out there and perform at my best of my ability.”
Outside of his bad performances Richardson has shown he is one solid tough cookie. He had shown throughout games that he could easily bounce to the outside and gain some tough yards or he could be utilized as a blocker. He has the potential to be great, but his downfall has been over thinking and not trusting his gut instincts. If you watch a couple of games last season where Richardson was in the backfield and his offensive line gave him holes to run through in the middle of the field, he hesitated which cost him with his number of touches decreasing as well as his stats.
With a number of players coming back from injury this season, Richardson needs to compete at top notch level in order for the Colts to have a successful year. The rushing yards as a team was ranked 21st last season and needs improvement. Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck needs help from all of his backs in order to complete their quest for another Super Bowl appearance.
