Indianapolis Colts Quick Hits: Walden Suspended; Richardson Defends Himself

Nov 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) rushes during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts were idle over the weekend after defeating the Titans last Thursday. Two things that stood out from that game have made news today: LB Erik Walden headbutting Titans TE Delanie Walker and RB Trent Richardson getting outplayed by Donald Brown.

Walden Suspended

Walden will be suspended for a game, but plans to appeal his suspension. He is lucky that he was able to play out Thursday night’s game as he should have been ejected. The suspension is just and should be upheld. It was an impossibly dumb move by the outside linebacker.

Walden has been a decent addition to the Colts defense this season, but he is vastly overpaid for what he brings to the field. There have also been games where his effectiveness has been laughable.

Running Back

IndyStar beat writer Stephen Holder posted a piece where Richardson defends his performance with the Colts so far this season. In the story, Richardson believes that he has played “good.”

Uh, really?

He even sites film study where he hasn’t missed assignments or made bad reads. I’m not sure what film he is watching, because I’ve seen a lot of the opposite. If he thinks he’s playing well, then I’m winning a Pulitzer this year.

In his defense, he does tout Brown and quarterback Andrew Luck’s abilities, and clearly doesn’t care about getting his touches. But coming from Cleveland where wins were at a premium, after winning championships at Alabama, he’s probably just happy to be on a winning team.

Richardson is averaging 2.8 yards per carry right now. According to PFF, he’s had more bad games than good ones and his good games are just average or slightly above. By DVOA, he is the 31st ranked back in the NFL.

Coach Chuck Pagano defended Richardson by saying that every time his number is called, the opposing defense is able to penetrate and get him for little to no gain. Some of that has to do with how the Colts choose to approach their running game and that starts with the coaching. When you have just one wide receiver, extra blockers, and a fullback on the field, chances are you are going to run the ball.

To his credit, Holder doesn’t appear to pick a side on the argument.

But just a tweet later, he defends Richardson’s on field performance:

Right now, this trade is a bust for the Colts. Indy could really use that first round pick next season to get a solid wide receiver (or offensive line help, or a corner, the list is long).

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