Trent Richardson Is Key To Indianapolis Colts’ Week 12 Win
By K.J. Momberg
@K_Momberg
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The time is now for Trent Richardson. With the Indianapolis Colts‘ decision to place veteran running back Ahmad Bradshaw on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, the team will turn to Richardson to carry the load in the running game for the remainder of the season.
Sunday’s Week 12 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars could present the perfect opportunity to get Richardson rolling. While Jacksonville is stout up front defensively, they rank just 26th in the NFL in rush defense. Richardson has also had some of his best games as a Colt against the division rival Jags. In three career games against Jacksonville, Richardson has rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns.
In addition to his role as a runner, Richardson will need to pick up some of the slack in the passing game. Bradshaw was the team’s primary third-down running back and played a key role in the passing offense. He had 38 receptions for 300 yards and six touchdowns. Richardson has just 22 receptions for 203 yards and no touchdowns.
Sunday’s game against the Jaguars will be Richardson’s latest opportunity to prove he can be a franchise running back. Since being acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in September of 2013, Richardson has done next to nothing to prove that he can be successful in a leading role. In fact, in 23 games with the Colts, the former Alabama star has failed to rush for more than 79 yards in any game.
The Jaguars should not present much of a challenge to a Colts team playing at home. Regardless, Indianapolis will need Richardson to prove he can deliver as a lead back if they hope to remain contenders in the AFC playoff race, and that starts this Sunday.
If Richardson fails to deliver again, his time may soon run out.
K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.
5 Free Agents the Cowboys Should Not Sign in 2015
Here's a list of five free agents that the Dallas Cowboys should not sign in 2015. What do you think, let us know. Read More
5 Free Agents the Titans Should Sign in 2015
The Titans have a lot of work to become a decent team, but hopefully they'll be able to do some good in free agency. Here are five players the Titans should sign. Read More
Reported ‘Gucci Scam’ Has Potential To Rock NFL
A reported 'Gucci scam' involving NFL players has the potential to give the NFL's PR department another headache. Read More
5 Free Agents the Raiders Should Not Sign In 2015
With a lot of money to spend in 2015, the Oakland Raiders need to make sure not to sign these five free agents. Read More
5 Things Packers Must Do To Defeat Cowboys
Here are five things the Green Bay Packers must do to defeat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL divisional round matchup. Read More
5 Changes 49ers Must Make For 2015
Prior to 2014, the 49ers had been a dominant force in the NFL. In order to return to that caliber, the team must make several changes for the 2015 campaign. Read More
Which NFL Underdog Has Best Shot in Round 2?
The Ravens and Panthers are both looking to shock the NFL by pulling off a big upset and reach their respective conference championship games. Which of these two teams is more likely to pull it off? Read More
Rodgers' Injury Will Determine Packers vs Cowboys
Who wins between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys on Sunday will depend on Aaron Rodgers and his injured calf. Read More
5 Free Agents the Vikings Should Sign In 2015
The Minnesota Vikings' season is well over, and now they turn their eyes to the offseason. Here are five free agents the Vikes should sign. Read More
5 Players Who Will Be Released By 49ers In 2015
Although the San Francisco 49ers have managed their salary cap effectively, after an 8-8 season, some roster changes will be made. Here are five potential cap casualties for the 49ers this offseason. Read More
2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class Prediction
The 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2015 have been announced and with it, starts the guessing game of who will be enshrined in Canton in August. Read More
Top 5 NFL Draft Prospects In Medal Of Honor Bowl
The Medal of Honor Bowl is the first of several postseason all-star games for draft prospects. Here are the five participants most likely to be selected in the 2015 NFL Draft. Read More