Donald Brown Proving His NFL Worth

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown (31) breaks a run into the open field as he runs past Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah (39) during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Kansas City 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis, IN – The Indianapolis Colts were able to pull out a breathtaking 45-44 win over the Kansas City Chiefs yesterday afternoon after trailing 38-10 early on in the third quarter. Prior to the start of the season, Donald Brown wasn’t expected to have too much of a role with the Colts, and was a common player rumored to be on the trade block. All that being said, it’s a good thing that the Colts kept Brown on the roster with the production he’s had since the injuries to Vick Ballard and Ahmad Bradshaw.

This season in 16 games with the Colts, Brown rushed for a total of 537 yards and six touchdowns on 102 carries. Perhaps the best stat of them all was the fact that he carried the football for an average of 5.3 yards per run. He was able to provide the quickness that Trent Richardson doesn’t have, and showed up big in games where he was needed.

Yesterday against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brown rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries and also punched in a touchdown. Brown also made a difference through the air, catching four passes for 47 yards and tacking on another touchdown. Those numbers were one of the major keys in the Colts coming from behind to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs,

The Colts may not bring Donald Brown back next season, but he has certainly earned himself a contract somewhere. There are quite a few teams out there that could take a look at him as a primary backup, and there are also teams that could look at him as a starter. Either way, Donald Brown has proven that he is an NFL caliber running back and can make a major difference on the field. There’s no question that the Colts wouldn’t be in the position they are today without Donald Brown.

Evan Massey is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan on Twitter at @Massey_Evan.