Last season, while Addai didn't match the 1,000-yard rushing seasons he turned in in 2006 and 2007 – the latter season of which he made his lone trip to the Pro Bowl – he not only returned to the overall form he showed in those first two seasons, he perhaps had his best overall season.
Addai finished the season with 828 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing. He also threw a touchdown pass, caught three more touchdown passes and continued to develop into one of the NFL's top pass-blocking running backs.
That versatility and ability to function at a high level in all aspects of the offense is a trait that can't be overlooked, and it's why it's hard to picture Addai not starting and playing a critical role.
“He's well-rounded,” Caldwell said. “He's a guy who can not only run the ball, but he also pass protects. Not only can he pass protect, but he can also run routes and catch catch. He gives us a lot of flexibility. He's very unselfish.
“He's a guy who cares about one thing, and that one thing is winning.”
But here's what could be a bit different this season, and what could be good news for the Colts:
While Addai likely will start, it's just as likely that Brown will play more of a role this season than last.
Brown at times last season showed flashes of the breakaway ability that made him a first-round draft choice. He had a huge run for a touchdown early in the season against Miami, and had several big plays throughout the season. He was, when he healthy, a wrinkle at the position the Colts haven't had in some time – a big-play threat very capable of scoring from anywhere on the field who also has the strength to break tackles and play a straightforward style.
“Their styles are a little bit different,” Caldwell said. “Joe's got a little bit more bounce and wiggle, and Donald is more of a power back.”
Caldwell also said Brown showed signs of developing into the all-around player needed in the Colts' offense.
“He's coming along, and is in the same mold as Joseph, I would say, in terms of having an understanding of the offense,” Caldwell said. “He's getting better, and he's also a guy who's multi-faceted as well. That's the great thing about them: you don't have to put them in the game and say, 'Oh, boy, he doesn't pass-protect very well. You have to be careful and only release him as a receiver.'
“Nor do we have to you have to be concerned when they're in whether they can catch it and run with it. I think both of those guys give us a great mix.”
It's reasonable to expect that mix to be more of just that this season – a mix. Addai as last season went on played a larger and larger role, and was certainly more reliable. Brown missed five games, and seemed less of a factor late than he had been early. The Colts believe players make their biggest jump from their first two second seasons, and there was nothing last year to indicate Brown can't make that jump.
That won't mean he'll start. He likely won't, at least not until 2011, when the Colts will have a decision to make to sign Addai to a long-term deal. The Colts' history with running backs suggests that's not likely, which means Brown would then be the main guy.
But just because Brown's role may not be a starting one this season doesn't mean it won't be a big one. And it almost certainly will be a more productive one than it was a year ago.
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