Donald Brown, Trent Richardson Major Factors vs. Patriots

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

The Indianapolis Colts are heading into yet another game in which they are the major underdogs against the New England Patriots on Saturday night. Andrew Luck was able to put up a huge game against the Kansas City Chiefs in that crazy comeback win last week, but he’s going to need some help on the ground against the Patriots on Saturday night. There’s no question that Indianapolis will look to establish Luck early, but both Donald Brown and Trent Richardson need to be prepared to make a difference.

New England was 30th in the NFL against the run this season, giving up 134.1 yards per game. Those numbers show why the Colts need to establish their ground game as well on Saturday. Donald Brown may not be a huge name, but he is more than capable of making big plays happen at any moment. Trent Richardson is a bruiser on the ground and hasn’t lived up to expectations, but what better time than against the arch-rival Patriots to have a breakout performance.

Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has a lot to work with this week, and he’ll likely have a very nice blend of the pass and run attack. Luck has been getting much better as the season goes on in the hurried offense, and that could be used a decent amount against the Patriots. Either way, Indianapolis has always been committed to the ground game, and it likely will pay off this week.

If the Colts are able to start the game off strong on the ground and force the defense to respect their rushing attack, it will open up the passing game for Andrew Luck. The Patriots have given up quite a few big plays in their secondary this year, and Luck has both T.Y. Hilton and Da’Rick Rogers to wreak havoc in the defensive backfield.

Overall, the Colts are expected to be eliminated once again this week, but they also have another chance to prove that they are underrated. Andrew Luck will have to put up another good game, but expect him to get some help on the ground from Brown and Richardson.

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