Indianapolis Colts OC Bruce Arians has said he plans to employ a ground-and-pound offensive scheme. He certainly has the horses.
Arians has a stable of bruising backs, including rookie Vick Ballard, who could be the best of the bunch. But for now, veteran Donald Brown will start.
Projected starter: Donald Brown (5th season). Brown can scarcely be described as a punisher, but he has experienced some success as a backup. He may be listed as the starter, but he will probably split carries with the guys behind him. Think RB-by-committee, only it's a crowded group.
Backups: Mewelde Moore (10th season), Vick Ballard (rookie), Delone Carter (3rd season), Darren Evans (2nd season), Deji Karim (4th season).
Ballard could be the starter by midseason. He's got the size and ability for the position and he certainly fits Arians' scheme. And he's had a solid camp. Delone Carter and Mewelde Moore will be solid contributors. Moore has a slight advantage because he and Arians were together in Pittsburgh.
A season ago: Running the ball ... did not go well. The Colts were 26th in rushing offense, and, well, they should be at least somewhat improved this season. Brown led the team in rushing, even though he largely split time with Joseph Addai. If nothing else, the presence of rookie QB Andrew Luck will give the offense more balance, thus giving the ground game a chance.
Prognosis: A more balanced attack will serve the Colts well. Even though the personnel isn't much different from a year ago, Luck will be able to keep opposing defenses honest.
Coachspeak: "We want to be able to run the football when we want to run the football," OC Bruce Arians has said. "You know we aren't running 35 times ... every game dictates different numbers. When we want to run it, we want to be able to run it, and be able to be physical. Old school football, double team, kick out and hit it up in there."
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