A running game, like I said, won't make or break a team. However, having that option out of the backfield never hurts. If a team can become two dimensional, and if the Colts can do so behind a much bulkier offensive line, they might just be an unstoppable force.
Yesterday we focused on the running game with former first round pick Donald Brown.
Today I want to talk about the most unknown back on the team in Delone Carter.
Carter was the Colts fourth round draft choice. Typically fourth round draft choices have little impact in their rookie season, but Carter is just the type of player that could make an impact. Carter rushed for over a thousand yards in his last two seasons at Syracuse with 1,021 and 1,233 respectively. Carter also averaged over 5 yards per carry last season. He is a "bowling ball" type of runner, running straight ahead and downhill gives the running game a dimension that it has rarely seen.
3rd and short is the Colts "Achilles Heel." Far too many playoff games have been lost because of the inability to get that extra yard. A guy like Carter who is 5'9" and 225lbs would hopefully be able to convert a few more of those "3rd and short" yardage plays.
Carter will not be the starter, and if Addai returns he would, at best, be the 3rd back in the rotation, but he's a bigger and bulkier runner than Brown and Addai, and therefore he could have a major impact, especially around the goal line.
Look to see Carter as a specialist this season, on 3rd and short, and on the goal line. Do you think Carter can make an impact in Indianapolis?
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