After one of the most shocking trades in recent NFL history, new Indianapolis Colts running back, Trent Richardson saw his first action with his new team on Sunday afternoon against the San Francisco 49ers. Richardson, on his first carry for his new team, scored a one yard touchdown helping the Colts win on the road, 27-7.
It has been a strange week for the former third round pick in the 2012 draft by the Cleveland Browns. On Wednesday, Richardson was traded to Indianapolis for a 2014 first round selection. The trade, gives the Colts both the first overall selection, quarterback Andrew Luck, and the third in Richardson from the 2012 draft.
The Browns did not felt Richardson was in their future plans. With a new coach, Rob Chudzinski, new general manager, Michael Lombardi and new CEO, Joe Banner, Richardson’s punishing style of running was not a fit for Chudzinski’s offense, which features more passing. Thus, he was not their guy. Their guy ended up being Willis McGahee, who they signed to replace Richardson. In their first game without Richardson, the Browns beat the Vikings, 31-27.
From Richardson’s perspective, he didn’t see the trade coming, but that is not always a bad thing.
With injuries to running back, Vick Ballard, Richardson gives the Colts more depth at the position. With current starter, Ahmad Bradshaw, the Colts now have two backs that can help wear down defense, as they did in their win against San Francisco. On Sunday, the Colts utilized both backs on the ground, giving them a balance attack against one of the best defenses in the league. In his first game, Richardson receive the ball 13 times for a total of 35 yards, while new teammate, Bradshaw, started and receive 19 carries for 95 yards and one touchdown. In the coming weeks, as Richardson learns the new playbook, he’ll get more familiar with the plays and his new team.
People tend to judge a trade right away and think one team got the better of the other, but time will tell and surprisingly, both teams won on the road. It was a shocking week after all.
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