Ahmad Bradshaw, Trent Richardson Becoming Legitimate Duo

September 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back

(44) and running back

(34) talk before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts have been struggling to find a consistent rushing attack since Edgerrin James left town, but they have seen some very encouraging signs from their current tandem of Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson. Both players have begun picking up their play over the last couple of weeks, and Richardson especially has been showing the type of potential that people were hoping to see.

Richardson was acquired during the middle of the season last year from the Cleveland Browns for a first round pick, and disappointed the fans in Indianapolis in a major way. It’s always extremely difficult to switch teams and systems during the middle of a season, and that was one of the main reasons for Richardson’s struggles last year. There is no doubt that he has the potential to break out and show his full potential, and he is finally starting to show that potential.

Bradshaw was signed as a free agent before the season began last year, and was expected to be a major part of the teams offense. He showed some success throughout his first couple games, but went down with a season-ending injury against the San Francisco 49ers. The Colts made it a priority to bring him back this season, and they are very happy that they did that.

Indianapolis has competed against both the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars the last two weeks, and have put together solid rushing games. Bradshaw has rushed for a total of 135 yards on 22 carries in those games, and has also caught seven passes for 44 yards and three touchdowns. Richardson on the other hand has carried the football 35 times for 136 yards, but hasn’t scored a touchdown.

All of that being said, the ground game is finally coming around to what the Colts envisioned it to be when they acquired Richardson. They have established a very difficult duo to defend against, and have the definition of a thunder and lightning effect. This is a very similar type of system to the one that the New York Giants ran during their Super Bowl runs with Brandon Jacobs and Bradshaw teaming up.

Expect to see the Colts continue to run the football, and to continue running it effectively.