Norv Turner is ready to reap the benefits of running back Trent Richardson. While Richardson's health has come under fire after he missed part of last season due to knee surgery and sat out spring practices with a shin injury. The running back has now declared himself completely healthy and all-in for the Browns this season. With Turner now in charge of the offense, Richardson will only get better.
Despite the injuries, Richardson still started in 15 games last season, while recording 950 yards and 11 touchdowns on a sketchy offense. He also put up 367 yards on 51 pass receptions and one touchdown. It is that sort of workhorse mentality that has Turner foaming at the mouth to get his hands on Richardson in training camp. Already predicting a big season for the running back, Turner sees 300 carries as a realistic goal.
"Obviously, the trend in the league is to no do that, but I think it depends on your team and everyone around it," Turner said to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "If that player is your best player, then I think it's probably a good thing to have him in the game and give him the ball. So I would hope Trent would have that many carries."
If there is someone that knows how to handle a star running back, it is Turner. In his 22 years as a coach or coordinator, Turner's rushing attack as out ranked his passing attack. Three of those times he had the league's top rusher on the season. After having coached backs like Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson, Turner thinks comparing Richardson to some of the greats is pretty accurate.
"Just watching him and seeing him against us when I came here in October and then watching the tape, yeah, he's that type of runner," Turner said. "Obviously he's the third pick in the draft. I think he has a lot of great days ahead of him. I always have a problem comparing players because each guy has his own unique style, but I think he's capable of great things.
The Browns will rely on a healthy Richardson throughout the season. As quarterback Brandon Weeden continues to develop, Richardson could easily see 300 carries or more.