Ahmad Bradshaw

Through three games in this young season Colts RB Trent Richardson is in a comfort zone that allows him to play freely and have fun again, something he hasn’t experienced in a few years.

After averaging only 2.9 yards a carry last season, Richardson has increased his average to 3.8 yards this season while basically sharing the backfield load with Ahmad Bradshaw. Richardson had long runs of 15 and 27 yards in each of the past two games.

Too often Richardson was met by multiple defenders behind the line of scrimmage and went down on initial contact last season. He has improved on that. Ninety of his 156 yards rushing have come after initial contact.

And when teams have put eight players in the box? Richardson has rushed for 45 yards on 11 attempts for a 4.1 average when that has happened this season.

Richardson credits the improved offensive line and playing with Bradshaw, who is averaging 6.0 yards a carry.