Horseshoe Heroes
FanSided

Colts 2015 Position Review: Running Backs

By Evan Reller

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs for a short gain during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Colts won 35-33. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs for a short gain during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Colts won 35-33. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Frank Gore

Grade: B-

What went right: Gore showed flashes of the runner he used to be and was a massive upgrade over Trent Richardson. Gore almost broke the 1,000 yard mark, and was would have been the first Colts running back to do so since 2007 (Joseph Addai). All in all, Gore finished with 967 yards, a 3.7 yard per carry average and six touchdowns. He also had 34 receptions for 267 yards and another touchdown. It was a good season for a 32-year old player on an injured team.

What went wrong: Gore had some fumbling issues, losing the ball three times (each at seemingly the worst possible moment). He also struggled in the passing game. Both can be attributed to a hand injury Gore has since had surgery for. Had Luck remained healthy all year, Gore would have likely had a much better season. Opponents keyed off on the run and dared Matt Hasselbeck to beat them in the final weeks of the season. The Colts schemes didn’t help much either. For some reason, Pagano believes this is a power run team, despite no evidence to suggest they actually are.

Offseason expectations: There is no reason to believe that Gore won’t be back next season (they’d only save $4 million by cutting him). He expressed his frustration with the season at the end, and was perhaps the most vocal about the team’s failings. Gore will be 33 by minicamp, and the Colts absolutely have to find a running back to split carries with him in the offseason. If the Colts have a reliable passing attack in 2016 (read: a health Luck) then I expect Gore to have a better season.

Next: Ahmad Bradshaw

Home/Colts News