INDIANAPOLIS --- With starters usually not playing the 4th preseason game, Trent Richardson's preseason game action is probably over after the Colts 23-17 loss to the Saints Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Three preseason games for Trent Richardson: 20 carries for 51 yards, capped by a six carry, 17 yard performance against New Orleans. His only preseason reception was for four yards against the Giants in the 2nd week of the preseason.
As for Saturday, Richardson's night started out strongly. His first carry out of the pistol formation went for five yards. He came right back with a hard 8-yard scamper out of the shotgun.
"At the end of the day, I think I made a lot of progress, mentally getting strong and knowing the playbook," Richardson said after Saturday's game. "It's a lot to grasp in less than 18 months. I've learned three playbooks so far in 18 months. I'm proud of myself where I'm at right now."
Those that just simply look at the preseason box scores with Richardson cannot see the whole picture. Against the Giants in week 2 of the preseason, the Colts were without wideouts Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton. New York responded by stacking the box with 8 men or more on 27 of the 30 Colts' 1st-team offensive plays. That's what head coach Chuck Pagano and Richardson said this past week.
The Colts are also missing starting center Khaled Holmes at center on the offensive line.
Regardless, Richardson did say he has a few things he wants to keep working on heading into the season opener September 7th at Denver.
"I want to get in the passing game more...I want to find that point where coach, he's sure that he can trust me," said Richardson. "I'm pretty sure he can trust me right now, but I want to make sure he can trust me at all ends. When it comes to passing, 3rd down, whatever it is, I don't want to come off the field."
Ironically, it was this same week 3 of the preseason that Richardson was at Lucas Oil Stadium a year ago, but as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
"Mentally, I'm stronger than ever and can't wait. Physically? Stronger than ever," Richardson said.
He will get every opportunity to show it come the regular season.
