Colts Offense: Potential Position Battles to Watch
By Dave McKee
Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Battle of the RBs: Who’s behind Frank Gore?
Frank Gore is the obvious starter heading into the 2015 season. The 10-year Pro is the power runner the Colts have been lacking in their offense. Gore just celebrated his 32nd birthday on Wednesday, and is still a very productive back. Gore’s durability is like his running style, undeniable. He has played in every regular season and postseason game for the last four years while rushing for over 1,000 yards.
Father time can only be circumvented for so long and it is inevitable that age will catch up with him. So who will step up to spell Gore this season and keep those legs fresh? With the departures of Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson there is a great opportunity for the pool of talented young backs the Colts have in their stable.
Daniel “Boom” Herron:
Dan Herron went from practice squad player in 2013 to starter in 2014. When Bradshaw went down with a broken fibula midseason it did not take long for Herron to supplant the incompetent Richardson. Herron became quite the complimentary player in the colts offensive attack catching passes out of the backfield and finding ways to stretch the chains with his agility and speed.
Herron compiled 524 yards from scrimmage last season and recorded a touchdown but also had four fumbles among his 78 carries. Herron has yet to show the consistency necessary to guarantee his role as a starter – as demonstrated by Gore’s addition in the offseason – and still need to learn how to hold onto the ball and make the most of his opportunities.
At 26, Herron is entering his prime and still has time to develop the little things that can make him great, but he faces tough competition for carries in the Colts’ running back by committee system so he must make every touch count. While he looks to be the favorite to back up Gore heading into the 2015 regular season but there is stiff competition pushing Herron for that spot.
Vick Ballard:
Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Ballard had a remarkable season in 2012 and showed much promise for the future totaling 966 yards in his rookie campaign. Unfortunately, his 2013 and 2014 seasons were derailed by season ending injuries in consecutive seasons. In a recent article, Indy Star writer Zak Keefer, spoke with Ballard about his rehabilitation and outlook on this season. Ballard acknowledged this is a now-or-never season after missing 36 games of football.
He told Keefer, “Sometimes, it feels like a lot of people just forgot about me.” At only 24 this promising young RB has all the skills necessary to return to prominence within the offense, but must overcome both the mental and physical setbacks that come with returning from two severe injuries . Ballard will likely raise eyebrows and make himself memorable again.
Look for Ballard to challenge for that 2nd RB position as he continues to recover to his rookie season form.
“The Human Bowling Ball” Josh Robinson:
Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
An immediate fan favorite since his name was called on Day 3 of the 2015 NFL Draft, Josh Robinson is more than an underdog, he is a living example of perseverance. His story is an inspiring example of overcoming the odds and courageously facing down the worst of what life can throw at you.
His off-the-field personality is flawless and his character is what coaches dream of, but his on-field performance is equally if not more so impressive. Better known as “The Human Bowling Ball,” Robinson amassed nearly 2500 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
In 2014, Robinson had his best year, rushing for 1203 yards (3rd best in the SEC) and scoring 11 of his 12 touchdowns carrying the ball. Robinson also totaled an extraordinary number of broken tackles – hence the nickname – and was rated by Pro Football Focus with a 94.2 elusive rating finishing second only to Todd Gurley.
With a running style similar to Gore’s and somewhat reminiscent of a young Maurice Jones Drew. Robinson has the highest ceiling of his competitors to become the next feature back for the Colts and could make some noise by season’s end.