Colts need to revamp their running game

The Indianapolis Colts' running game ranked 31st in the league last year, finishing ahead of NFC Champion Arizona. It is an area that needs a boost in April.

After a Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2006 and a Pro Bowl year in 2007, Joseph Addai, once thought of as the replacement to Edgerrin James, was disappointing in 2008. Some see that as a part of playing behind a revamped offensive line that has dropped more than 20 years of experience in two years.

With that being said, Addai frequently stops in his tracks before he hits the hole. His running style is questionable. He doesn't fall forward to get the extra yards. He runs out of bounds too often. Addai is very prone to injury. The 2006 and 2007 tapes show Addai as a tough back who hits the hole with authority, catches the ball well out of the backfield and has potential to become an impact player.  2008 showed an Addai who is indecisive and commits drops. To his credit, Addai is strong in pass protection and picks up the blitz well. 

Dominic Rhodes, after a one-year stint in Oakland, made his presence felt throughout the year. Rhodes is a tough, hard-nosed runner who makes up for his lack of height with great balance. For a running back over 30 years of age, Rhodes is very quick and decisive. Rhodes makes plays. To name a few: the game-winning touchdown catch against Pittsburgh, the long draw play against Baltimore, or the big two-point conversion catch against San Diego in the regular season. 

Rhodes is also effective at the goal line, notching six rushing touchdowns. He also caught three touchdown passes. However, Rhodes is not an every-down option. At the time of this writing, the Colts have not signed him to the roster. 

A devastating hit to the knee against the Ravens sidelined then-rookie Mike Hart for the season. The former Michigan Wolverine won the proverbial heart of fans when he was drafted last April after crashing down the boards. The team was excited to have him and Hart was excited about playing in Indianapolis. 

Hart flashed potential in the preseason and the regular season. His display of toughness came on a key first down run against Baltimore, where he kept fighting and shaking off defenders to get the short first down conversion. He also proved to be a reliable target out of the backfield. Hart will likely get another chance in the fall and should make a full recovery before training camp. 

The team needs a power running back that can pick up the first down on plays like the 3rd and 2 against the Chargers or the 4th and 1 against the Titans. The running back class for 2009 is deep with many quality players. Although the need at running back is urgent, many good running backs in the mold for what the Colts need should be available in Day 2 or late in Day 1. Liberty's Rashad Jennings, Iowa's Shonn Greene and N.C. State's Andre Brown fit that mold.

Much of how the Colts address the position will depend on how the team feels about Addai. Addai has won over many in the organization with his intelligence and camaraderie, for better or worse. 

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Bryan Ault is a student at Franklin College, and he writes columns for The Tribune. He may be reached online via his blog at bryanaultfootball.blogspot.com