The Indianapolis Colts‘ run game was struggling mightily through the first two weeks of the season. After losing running back Vick Ballard for the season, it was time to make some changes with the roster and owner Jim Irsay wasn’t too shy about announcing the trade for Trent Richardson before it was about to happen.
This day of MONSTER TRADE,The Tidal Wave Of Deal making…Shocks the system of “..Didn’t see THIS ONE COMING!!!!!!” Grig’s Rollin’ Dice!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) September 18, 2013
I’ve never seen an owner express this much excitement for acquiring a player, but I guess Irsay is on a whole different level. The Colts traded a first-round draft pick in next year’s draft in order to get the second-year running back from the Cleveland Browns that rushed for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie in 2012.
What does this mean for the Colts? It means that the run game is no longer an issue — if Richardson can stay healthy, that is.
What does this mean for Ahmad Bradshaw? It means less carries and a good chance he will be on his way out of Indianapolis following this season. Bradshaw showed flashes of being an every-down back for the New York Giants in seven years there, finishing with over 1,000 yards rushing two times — including last season. The Colts picked him up with the hopes of using him — when he got completely healthy — as a featured back.
However, they must not have thought that he could carry the load after Ballard’s injury and the trade for Richardson furthers that.
If you’re a fantasy owner with Bradshaw on your squad, it’s time to drop him and look elsewhere for a solid backup running back because his carries about about to go out the window. If you’re a Browns fan, you might want to find a new team to root for.
Related: Jim Irsay Wasn’t Kidding, Pulls Off Shocking Trade for Trent Richardson
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .
