Donald Brown scored the go-ahead touchdown for the Indianapolis Colts all but sealing Trent Richardson's future as a backup for the remainder of the season. The Colts were in search of grabbing hold of their division and realized a change at running back might be the best move to make. After Brown continued to outshine Richardson in the last few games, he got the start and might for the remainder of the year.
Brown and Richardson were both first-round draft picks. Brown is the forgotten pick of 2009, while Richardson was a star in his rookie year, only to drop off and get traded in 2013. However, this season has seen Brown proving he still has what it takes to be a top running back in the NFL and the hard work is paying off.
Prior to Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, it was announced that Brown would get the start and Richardson would play the role of backup. The veteran repaid his team by rushing for 54 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. He also had 10 yards receiving on two catches. Richardson ranked third on the team in rushing on Sunday, putting up 19 yards on five carries.
"[Brown] earned the opportunity the way he was working and running the football," head coach Chuck Pagano said. "We're still going to use two backs, but [Brown] earned the opportunity to get in there and do that."
The benching was just another hurdle in Richardson's tough 2013 season. The running back was traded to the Colts in September in return for a first-round draft pick. He has since struggled averaging just 2.9 yards per carry and has yet to put up over 60 yards in a game. The running back notes that he is obviously frustrated with the way things have gone, but trusts the coach's decisions.
"As a competitor, you want to play, but at the end of the day, you can only control the things you can control," Richardson said, ESPN.com. "Donald's production has been better than mine. It's all about the team and the coaches put the team in the best position to win. Coach made the call. Whatever it is, you have to be happy with it because obviously we're winning."
Pagano told reporters that Richardson handled the information very professionally and he was prepared to compete no matter where he was on the depth chart. Going forward, it is likely that Brown will remain the starting running back meaning fantasy owners should adjust their rosters.
