Colts Need to Utilize Trent Richardson vs. Eagles

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) runs in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Colts 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts didn’t look to establish their ground game very much last week against the Denver Broncos, and Trent Richardson only carried the football six times for 20 yards. That is going to have to change tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles in order for the Colts’ offense to play up to its full potential. Richardson’s name doesn’t strike too much fear in opponents with his poor play of late, but he showed good potential last week when he did touch the football.

If the Colts use him the right way, he will pick up a good three to four yards on most downs, and that will open up the game for Andrew Luck and the passing attack. Without a ground game, the Colts are simply allowing defenses to play the pass and make things much more difficult for Luck. Richardson may not be the most dynamic back, but he is still capable of coming through with a good game if the Colts use him.

Ahmad Bradshaw had a good game last week, and will likely see a lot more action tonight. He is a much more effective back in the passing game, but Richardson should be the back that gets the football in rushing situations. Richardson is a more than capable receiver out of the backfield as well, which gives Pep Hamilton even more plays that he can use him in.

Quite simply, the Colts need to put the football in Richardson’s hands a lot more times tonight than they did last week. Whether they give him more carries or use him as a receiver, he is a legitimate threat when used correctly. Indianapolis fans were much more upbeat about what they saw in limited usage last week, but they need to see more from Richardson in order to turn their attitude about him around.

Don’t be surprised to see the Colts utilize Richardson much more this evening. The Eagles do have a fairly solid run defense, but Richardson’s strong running might be something that gives them issues. It’s going to be very intriguing to see what type of game Hamilton brings out tonight, but they need to make sure that Richardson is much more involved than he has been.