Indianapolis Colts RB Dan Herron Should Continue Starting over Trent Richardson

Dear Chuck Pagano, 

It's time to give up the dream. 

I imagine that you and Ryan Grigson talked quite a bit about a game-wrecking running game after trading for former Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson last season. Shoot, I don't know who was more excited about the trade. Given your comments to the media in the past, I'd imagine that having a bell-cow back who could take the physicality of a bruising running game was as exciting as signing Jack Doyle was for Pep Hamilton. 

Of course, this wasn't just any bell-cow back. This was Trent "Rolling Ball of Butcher Knives" Richardson. The word "grit," arguably the most used buzzword in Indianapolis in the last two-and-a-half years, could not apply more.

After all, having the first and third overall pick in what looked like a loaded draft? It was supposed to lay the groundwork for a dominant offense for years to come, one that could actually carry out your vision for a power-running, physically-dominating unit.

I like to think that you saw Robert Griffin III's success behind a powerful running attack in 2012 and salivated at the thought of that kind of a weekly time-of-possession advantage for your defense (ironic considering the timely benching of Griffin).

I get the allure, I really do.

Yes, I've been very vocal of my dislike for the trade at a philosophical level. Yes, I was part of the original "haters" last season that didn't think Richardson's struggles were because of his offensive line. Yes, on broader level, I think passing (and, hence, Luck) is the key to building a dynasty, not spending money and assets on a rushing attack as the primary offense. 

However, I still understand why the move was made. And I understand the temptation to continue to put time and effort into the Trent Richardson Project. The upside is tantalizing. 

Don't give in. 

It's time to give it up. Move on. 

That doesn't have to mean cutting Richardson tomorrow, but it definitely should mean allowing Dan "Boom" Herron to keep the starting job. 

	Attempts	Yards	YPC	Targets	Catches	Yards
Dan Herron	12	65	5.4	5	5	31
Trent Richardson	13	42	3.2	1	0	0

Herron has done everything you've asked of him. He's run the ball better than Richardson, both after starting over him last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars and throughout the preseason. He's caught the ball just as well, and probably has a higher potential for big plays in the open field than Richardson. He might not be the same quality of a pass protector, but in everything else, he's earned it. 

The thing about Herron is that his style of running is better suited for this Colts team. Richardson might have more strength and elusiveness in the open field, but Herron's combination of patience, vision and quicker acceleration is notably better. 

Take this rather routine eight-yard run, for example: 

NFL Game Rewind

When Herron gets the handoff, he has a bit of a mess in front of him. Fortunately, he's patient enough to wait for the tight end to come across the back side of the formation and anticipates a hole opening up inside the tight end:

NFL Game Rewind

NFL Game Rewind

Once Herron sees the hole there, he hits it immediately and uses an excellent burst through the hole to avoid the hulking defensive lineman waiting for him. That's a situation where Richardson's half-second delay in hitting the hole would have completely killed his shot at a good run. 

The thing is, that wasn't uncommon for Herron on Sunday. Half of his 12 carries went for five or more yards, including two runs of more than 10 yards. Richardson had nine of his 11 carries go for less than four yards. 

Richardson doesn't trust his line, so plays like this happen a lot: 

NFL Game Rewind

Richardson took the yellow path, which may seem like the smart play on the still image, but when Richardson cuts outside, he does so before the linemen have engaged with the linebackers, and both now have a free angle to take the running back down for a minimal gain. Richardson simply doesn't have enough acceleration to beat linebackers to the spot. 

He'd be much better off, in this case, if he just followed the hole, reading Jonotthan Harrison's block and plowing forward. If Harrison and Thornton get decent blocks off, he has the potential to squirt by for a big gain. Even if the blocks aren't good, his momentum would carry him forward for five yards, rather than the two he gained.

Herron gets that right now, and he's running better because of it. Richardson can still contribute, but there's no point continuing this charade. Every single back that the Colts have used other than Richardson has had success. 

Last week, Richardson told the media that the only reason Herron started was because Richardson was still feeling a bit ill. But Richardson came on the field for third down on the first drive and proceeded to play 42 snaps, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Come on, Chuck. Don't give us another lame excuse. Play the guy who is producing. Reward him for his patience. Don't continue to place your bets on somebody who continually gives you less of a return.

Don't try to force Richardson into greatness. 

It's time to let this thing fade away.