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Indianapolis Colts: Running Backs Still Struggling for Yards

By Kyle Nishida

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck(12) hands off to running back Frank Gore (23) during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck(12) hands off to running back Frank Gore (23) during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The third preseason game is supposed to be the closest thing to an regular season game. If so, the Indianapolis Colts‘ third preseason game showed it will be a long season for their running backs.

In a 33-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Colts only accumulated 39 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Their running backs accounted for 36 of the 39 rushing yards. The poor presence on the ground this preseason is a continuation of Colts’ terrible history with running backs.

Since 2012, the Colts have received very little production from their running back. They have not had a running back rush for 100 yards in a game since Vick Ballard in 2012. Also, no Colts’ running back has eclisped the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a season since Joseph Addai in 2007.

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The Colts thought they could fix the problem with veteran Frank Gore last year, but even that idea has not produced great results at times. Gore ran for 967 rushing yards in 2015, but he averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry.

Entering training camp this year, there was some optimism about the Colts’ running backs. Behind Gore, the Colts had veterans Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman. Also, they had young backs like Trey Williams and Josh Ferguson.

Unfortunately, skepticism has quickly replaced all that optimism. No running back has emerged as a legitimate backup option behind Frank Gore, and Gore has played poorly too.

In three preseason games, the Colts running backs have ran for a measly 102 rushing yards. Their best running back has been Turbin, who has 44 yards on 15 carries.

Meanwhile, undrafted rookie Ferguson has been their least productive back. Despite receiving high praise throughout practices, Ferguson has only recorded 14 rushing yards on 18 carries.

The team’s best rusher this preseason has been third-string quarterback Stephen Morris who has 46 rushing yards on five carries.

While the Colts are probably hiding their best play calls in preseason, they still need to produce better results than this. Every team is holding back their top plays, but every team is still producing good yardage on the ground except the Colts.

For those thinking the Colts are not worried about their running backs, you might want to re-consider. They are concerned about the lack of production on the ground, and they should be.

In fact, the Colts may be ready bring someone new in very soon. They worked out veteran running back Stevan Ridley on August 26th.

The Colts cannot wait and hope their running backs pick up their level of play in the regular season. They do not have that luxury, and recent history suggests this “wait and see” strategy will fail.

The Indianapolis Colts needed to see legitimate results from their running backs against the Eagles. Instead, they received the same inconsistency that has plagued their running backs all preseason and in previous years.

Next: Colts: Injuries Putting More Pressure on Pass Rushers

The Indianapolis Colts have until August 30th to cut their 90-man roster down to 75 players. It seems very likely the team could cut one or two of their unproductive running backs in the process. As always, only time will tell.

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