[ESPN] Colts will regret Trent Richardson trade

It's not that Richardson is a bad player. It's just that he's not an exceptional one.

He has yet to gain more than 60 yards in any of his five games with the Colts. He's had 75 carries during that time and produced all of 228 yards, which is a worse yards-per-attempt average than he generated in his first two games with Cleveland this season (3.04 compared to 3.39). Richardson scored the first two touchdowns of his season while in Indianapolis, but more people likely recall his critical fumble late in the Colts' upset win over Denver on Oct. 20.

As much as optimists in Indianapolis preach the importance of patience when faced with these facts, it's becoming hard to see the upside in a player who was supposed to be special and cost the Colts a first-round pick.

"We were getting killed when we made that deal, but now people are seeing the same things we saw in him," one Browns source said. "There is a lot to like about Trent. He's solid, dependable, hard-working. The problem is that he's not explosive."

That final indictment is the biggest reason Colts fans should be concerned about their new franchise running back moving forward. Richardson has logged 373 carries in his two-year career. Only 20 of those rushing attempts have ended in a run longer than 10 yards, which ranks him 32nd among all running backs since the start of the 2012 season. Richardson also has failed to be the perfect counterpart to quarterback Andrew Luck on a team that was hoping to balance its offense with a dominant power-running component.

The issue with Richardson is that he's mostly effective in situations where his team needs tough yards. As the Browns source said: "I saw him score on a 1-yard touchdown in his first game there (a 27-7 win over San Francisco) and the announcer said that was why the Colts traded for him. And all I could think was that play was right in Trent's wheelhouse. He'll make those plays for you all day. But when you need seven yards, he'll still get you three."

There already have been several theories offered as to why Richardson has continued to struggle on a better team. Some have suggested that he's trying too hard to make something happen. Others suspect he's overthinking things or simply struggling to fit in with a new offensive line. Those people still think of Richardson as the same talent he was touted to be after leaving Alabama. They don't want to believe they possibly could be wrong.

In reality, it's hard to think Alabama didn't make Richardson look better than he really was. He played with three offensive linemen in college who were selected in this year's draft – including first-round picks D.J. Fluker and Chance Warmack – and it's not like he's the first Crimson Tide runner to disappoint in the NFL. Richardson split time with Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram at Alabama. That would be the same Mark Ingram who has 1,107 career rushing yards since the New Orleans Saints selected him with the 28th overall pick in the 2011 draft.

Full story:http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9906866/the-browns-had-good-sense-trade-rb-trent-richardson-making-indy-problem

Thoughts?

IMO just more of the same that we knew. In terms of fantasy value though, he would be solid in PPR leagues if the colts let the guy catch dumpoffs/screens. I don't think anyone's arguing this guy is a burner like this article is "reporting" .. Can't speak for everyone but I never saw him as having the upside to be the best RB in the league.. Just top 5-7.. Which is still (however unlikely) attainable down the line.

Bust?

sbarone said:

IMO just more of the same that we knew. In terms of fantasy value though, he would be solid in PPR leagues if the colts let the guy catch dumpoffs/screens. I don't think anyone's arguing this guy is a burner like this article is "reporting" .. Can't speak for everyone but I never saw him as having the upside to be the best RB in the league.. Just top 5-7.. Which is still (however unlikely) attainable down the line.

I watched most of one game and a half of another and I know I have seen him drop at least 2-3 screen passes. That being said I'm not a TRich supporter but I think coming out this bye week he will show his true colors. The week of catchup with the playbook should help, or it will be obvious after this week they made a bad move. For this pole since before this week is played I voted it wasn't a bad trade. Just my 2c

We should bump the thread where this trade was announced....we were all fanatical about the trade. Now its not looking so hot.

Now, it looks like a smart move by the Browns. RBs like Lacy can be grabbed in the 3-4th round and produce similarly. The scouts were clearly wrong about TR being a once in a generation Rb like AP.

Colts need a WR bad now and they miss out on one with losing their first. Meanwhile, the Browns are trending upward, can grab a QB/WR combo in the first next year and a RB in the 2-5 round. Imagine a 1st round talent qb and wr playing opposite Gordon and Cameron??

I think its way too early to be trying to guess this. The Colts are a young team.

Buuuuussssst

I agree with Haimez.. this week will be telling. He had a week to catch up on things and has a decent matchup.

The thing I struggle is that I loved watching him run last year. This year he seems more tentative and it doesn't add up. I also agree that I think he would really start to make an impact if they got him more involved in the passing game (and he caught the ball).

For the Browns, seems like a good move either way. I am probably alone on this, but I though Hoyer looked fantastic in limited action. I would love to see him get another shot next year to be the guy. Quick decision maker and nice accuracy. They are trending upward however you slice it.

I wasnt crazy about the trade when it happen browns o line is better than indy's and TR couldnt get it done there i just dont see doing any better after the bye but all i can do is hope for you TR owners. i own in redraft but not dynasty anywhere..

Two words. Norv Turner. It's not like the guy knows nothing about talented backs that can catch screen passes. He made a living off one. He let him walk for a reason. Not like T Rich (T Poor) had off the field issues or was a head case.

Very telling comment: "But when you need seven yards, he'll still get you three.""

Yeah this guy isn't worth his weight in ice water. I've never regretted a 1st pick more. Lawrence Maroney 2.0

Which team will mke playoffs? Colts or Browns? Or both. Colts won't regret this move. Book it!

TheHuddle said:

Which team will mke playoffs? Colts or Browns? Or both. Colts won't regret this move. Book it!

Two very different teams. Browns don't have an Andrew Luck. This was a blockbuster trade that happened at a very odd time. Its clear the Browns knew something, and the Colts owner was use to making big splashes.

Irsing saw the potential to acquire a young bruising back who has name recognition and can sell tickets. He wanted to build back the dynasty he had years ago with Peyton, Harrison and James in Luck, Hilton and Richardson.

Needalife said:

I agree with Haimez.. this week will be telling. He had a week to catch up on things and has a decent matchup.

Lol. I keep hearing this over and over. My advice, don't keep your fingers crossed too long, may cause some dexterity issues.

TheHuddle said:

Which team will mke playoffs? Colts or Browns? Or both. Colts won't regret this move. Book it!

Huh? Compare apples to apples or better yet, stay relevant to the topic. So many reasons that doesn't make sense...

I don't think he is as bad as he is playing right now, but I also don't think he is or will be the top RB in fantasy.

Colts may regret the trade, but the way they are going now the pick they gave is going to be late 1st, so it's still an overpay but not a top 10 pick.

Other than he just plain sucks, anyone know why he's been this bad? Is it the system, injuries, o-line, nerves?

Wutthecrapman said:

Other than he just plain sucks, anyone know why he's been this bad? Is it the system, injuries, o-line, nerves?

maybe he just doesn't have the explosion and he will always be a 3 YPC guy needing 25 to 30 carries a game which I not sure he will get each game with the colts..maybe he is a poor fit for there system..not sure anyone can answer why he has struggled so badly..

Ramrod? On topic? The article is Colts will regret trich trade. I stated that Colts won't regret this trade & Colts will have a better team. Make playoffs which puts that pick into the 20's. w the new salary structures for high picks & signing bonus already paid this wont affect cap like a top pick used to. I'm saying this wont cripple the Colts but yet add a piece they did need & they won't regret this move.

Apples to apples? Yes one got Andrew Luck the other took Weeden? That's apples to Oranges. U stay on topic Farva

Wutthecrapman said:

Other than he just plain sucks, anyone know why he's been this bad? Is it the system, injuries, o-line, nerves?

Great question. It's strange how FF players trade like stocks. He did fairly well last year for a rookie (in terms of fantasy points). In my one pool he was the 9th RB overall with 235 pts (0.5PPR). Not bad considering he missed some games and also was playing with a rookie QB in Weeden and it was before Norv Turner was there.

This was posted in another thread....but as I said above I think he is better than he is playing right now for sure. Might never be the top end guy we wanted but he should pan out to a solid low end RB1 with upside (IMO).

The OL in Indy isn't one of their strong points. Add that to the fact that they barely put TR in there when they pass the football. So defenses aren't dumb....when he is in the game they are thinking run more than pass. some might scoff at that, but talk a look at Lynch the other night against the Rams....the committed to stopping the run and he couldn't do a thing....a very talented back (with a banged up OL). In part I think TR is facing the same thing.

These of course are just my thoughts as to why....the guy doesn't flat out suck, I just don't buy that

TheHuddle said:

Ramrod? On topic? The article is Colts will regret trich trade. I stated that Colts won't regret this trade & Colts will have a better team. Make playoffs which puts that pick into the 20's. w the new salary structures for high picks & signing bonus already paid this wont affect cap like a top pick used to. I'm saying this wont cripple the Colts but yet add a piece they did need & they won't regret this move.

Apples to apples? Yes one got Andrew Luck the other took Weeden? That's apples to Oranges. U stay on topic Farva

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