Horseshoe Heroes
FanSided

Stay or Go: Colts Free Agency 2017 Edition

By Luke Schultheis

Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) celebrates with safety Mike Adams (29) after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) celebrates with safety Mike Adams (29) after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) scores a second half touchdown against New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) scores a second half touchdown against New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Robert Turbin, Running Back

Having signed with the Colts this past offseason, Robert Turbin emerged as a reliable backup running back to starter Frank Gore.

Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) runs the ball while Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) defends in the second half of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) runs the ball while Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) defends in the second half of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Utilized primarily in short yardage and 3rd down situations, Turbin rushed for 164 total rush yards on 47 carries (3.5 ypc avg)–including a team high 7 rushing touchdowns, as the 5’10”, 225 pound bruiser showed a knack for moving the chains or crossing the goal line when called upon.

However, one underrated aspect of Turbin’s game was his pass blocking, as per Pro Football Focus (subscription), he was ranked as the league’s 2nd best pass blocking running back with a +85.1 grade.

Not to mention, the 5th-year veteran also became a reliable dump-off option for starting quarterback Andrew Luck by season’s end, catching 26 receptions for 179 total receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

If Turbin is expecting to be paid like a starting running back, the Colts should clearly pass.

However, as a situational short yardage/3rd down running back, he’s proven that he can not only play such a useful role, but also play it very well.

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