Colts to Maintain Two Running Back System

September 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) hands the ball off to running back Trent Richardson (34) for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis, IN – According to multiple reports, the Indianapolis Colts will continue to split their rushing attempts between both Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson. The Colts had great success using this dual-back system against the 49ers this past weekend, totaling 130 yards and two touchdowns between them.

The Colts’ week four match-up with the Jaguars is a much easier game for their rushing attack, so you can expect to see both Richardson and Bradshaw receive a good amount of carries. There have been reports that have stated that the Colts hope to use Richardson as a workhorse back as he gets more accustomed to his role in Indianapolis, but from what the Colts’ organization has actually said, they don’t necessarily view that as the case.

Ahmad Bradshaw was in a very effective two-back system with the New York Giants, and Brandon Jacobs was a poor man’s Trent Richardson. There is no doubt that the change of pace between Bradshaw and Richardson could become problematic for opposing defenses, so I wouldn’t be too sure that Richardson will begin getting more and more carries each and every week. Assuming Bradshaw is able to keep up good performances each week, he won’t lose his carries completely.

We are very excited to see how the two-back system works for the remainder of the time that they decide to use it. Both of these guys are capable of being NFL starters elsewhere, but they’ll be asked to work together for the greater good of the Indianapolis Colts. This Sunday should be a much better game for Richardson especially, as he’s had a full week to get used to the Colts’ system. We’ll have a much clearer idea of what these guys can do playing side by side by this time next week.

Evan is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.