He improved late in the season, and had perhaps his best two games of the season in the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, emerging throughout the season as a reliable threat in the red zone while Brown – while possessing the speed and athleticism to be a big-play threat -- struggled at times to stay healthy.
The result is that entering the offseason the Colts' running back situation is much the same as it was shortly after the 2009 NFL Draft, with Addai in the starting role and Brown expected to push him during training camp. But whereas last offseason many believed it a foregone conclusion that Brown would eventually take the job, now Addai is back to what he was two years ago – a versatile player perhaps too valuable to the offense to not be on the field as often as possible.
BREAKING DOWN THE RUNNING BACKS:
* The roster: Joseph Addai (5), Donald Brown (2), Mike Hart (3), Chad Simpson (3).
* The breakdown: Addai quietly had as good a year as anyone on the offense outside QB Peyton Manning. Late in the season, he said he wished sometimes they didn't keep statistics in football, and that's a good way to think about Addai's game – not in terms of numbers, but just in terms of doing things it takes to win. Brown didn't have the year statistically many expected, and his development will be key. The Colts strongly believe players develop drastically in their second seasons, and Brown – while potentially a dynamic runner – could develop as a pass protector and could improve his understanding of the offense. Hart played a role as a third-down, short-yardage back and the Colts like his savviness. Simpson has been the team's kickoff returner the past two seasons and has played well at running back when given a chance.
* What the offseason might bring: Don't look for any huge changes at this spot in the offseason, certainly not in the first two spots. Addai is pretty well entrenched as the starter, and it will take major development by Brown in the offseason to change that. The Colts could look to upgrade the third and fourth positions, but a lot of that could depend on what's available late in the draft.
* Feeling the draft: Having selected Brown in the first round last season, the Colts likely won't go this direction early. They could select a running back late, particularly if they find one who can contribute on special teams as a returner.
* Free agency status: It's unlikely to see anyone coming or going in free agency for the Colts at this spot.
DAILY DIGESTS:
WRAPPING UP POST-SUPER BOWL TALK: HERE
A REFRESHINGLY ACCURATE READ ON PEYTON MANNING. HERE
ON TEAM OF DECADE AND ED JOHNSON. HERE
MORE COLTS NEWS POLIAN: THE PAST IS PROLOGUE. HERE.
OFFSEASON PRIMERS:
THE QUARTERBACKS. HERE.
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