Trent Richardson: “Comfort Level So Much Better”
By Evan Massey
Jun 17, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running backs Trent Richardson (34) and Ahmad Rashad (44) take a break during minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts acquired running back Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns last season, and he was unable to figure things out and looked to be a major disappointment. While first impressions are always given a lot of value, it is very difficult for an NFL running back to learn a completely new system throughout the course of a regular season. He has been working hard this offseason to learn the offense and improve his game, and he is very happy with where he is at right now.
“The comfort level is so much better now. I know the plays, and I’m not playing so tight. I’m really comfortable with the offense, and the timing with the offensive line is coming. I know all my cuts and reads before the snap.”
It’s extremely good news to hear for Colts fans that Richardson is comfortable, especially due to the injury to Vick Ballard for the second straight season. He showed potential during his rookie season with the Browns, and still has the talent to live up to that potential. Andrew Luck is going to be a much improved player this season, but having a legitimate ground attack would open things up much more for him.
Pep Hamilton is the type of offensive coordinator that likes to pound the football on the ground, but it was an utter failure last season. There have been some reports that he could look to change things up and rely more on Luck’s arm this season, but if Richardson proves himself he might just keep with his regular offensive scheme. That being said, the Colts’ offense will be extremely dangerous if Richardson can get back on truck.
Overall, this is going to be a make or break type of season for Richardson with the Colts. He is a solid back that has potential to put up numbers on the ground, but also showed toward the end of last season that he is more than capable of being a threat in the receiving game out of the backfield. All of that being said, the Colts are excited about Richardson’s second season with the team, and he sounds ready to go this year.