The Indianapolis Colts are trying to be patient with Trent Richardson, but that might run out sooner rather than later. The running back is entering his first full season with the team after getting traded part way through last season from the Cleveland Browns. Richardson has high expectations entering this season as he is expected to finally start displaying the talent he showed while in college. However, Game 1 was another slow one for Richardson which could cause him to get demoted this season.
Against the Denver Broncos, Richardson put up 20 yards on six carries while catching three passes for 31 yards. To put things in perspective, the leading receiver for the Colts had just 98 yards total for the night. So while Richardson's numbers did not inspire much confidence, the entire Colts offense did just about the same thing. However, Indianapolis is not happy and Richardson could see a drop in field time as a result.
According to the Indianapolis Star, the Colts are looking to give Bradshaw more carries which means less time on the field for Richardson. Against the Broncos, Bradshaw had just three carries for 15 yards. Neither running back looked great behind the struggling offensive line of the Colts, so the team is hoping a more balanced attack between the two helps increase production.
"I think it's going to be a good, equal load," Richardson said, via the Indianapolis Star. "Ahmad knows that once I get tired or once I'm winded, when I look to that sideline or he looks to the sideline, we know how to complement each other. It can be a drive where we have it going. I might have to look to the sideline and say, 'Come get me.' And I know if he does that to go get him. We work well together."
Indianapolis is keeping a close eye on Richardson as the running back enters a make-or-break season. In his first two years he had the excuse of being on the Cleveland Browns, but the Colts are considered a better team and they need Richardson to play to his ability.
"Trent, he needs to answer the bell and do his job to the best of his ability," said general manager Ryan Grigson, via ESPN.com. "We're all accountable here. I will say this, there are a lot of backs last year that wouldn't have got [2.4 YPC] considering the amount of people he had in that box and the amount of bodies that were hitting him before he even seemed to get the ball sometimes. He's such a hard runner, we know how tough he is, but he's got to produce just like all these guys do on this final 53."
In general, the entire Colts' offense looked terrible in Week 1. Andrew Luck toss two interceptions while getting sacked three times. Dwayne Allen fumbled once. The defense could not stop Julius Thomas. The blame might fall on Richardson, but it is a team situation.