The run game needs to be a staple of the Indianapolis Colts’ offense each week. But not unlike what we saw against the Titans, the Colts should lean heavily into that element with the New York Giants on the schedule.
On the season, the Giants’ defense is allowing 4.8 yards per rush, which is the fifth-most in the NFL. By ESPN’s run-stop rate metric, the Giants rank 32nd.
The Colts, meanwhile, are coming off a performance against Tennessee where they set a new franchise single-game rushing record, totaling 335 yards on the ground as a team. With that success on the ground, Anthony Richardson would attempt just 11 passes.
Obviously, that level of production shouldn’t be the expectation, but the run-centric gameplan should again be the blueprint this week for Indianapolis against a Giants defense that has really struggled to defend the run game.
As we saw in last week’s game, success on the ground has massive trickle-down effect to the rest of the offense. A good run game keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and in manageable down and distances, so it’s not a surprise that the Colts were an efficient 8-for-15 on third downs against the Titans.
A strong rushing attack also opens up the playbook and opportunities in the passing game. Even with a rocky start to last Sunday’s game, Richardson finished it off by completing 7-of-11 passes.
The run game can even provide its own defense with a boost by allowing the offense to sustain drives and control the clock.
Since Richardson returned to the starting lineup in Week 11, Shane Steichen has been more willing to lean on the run game, in general, along with getting Richardson involved in that phase of the game more often.
In addition to already having a running back of Jonathan Taylor’s caliber, the threat of Richardson carrying the ball as well is an added stressor for opponents and can really stretch defenses horizontally, creating more space for the offense to operate in.
Now, something to watch prior to kickoff will be Richardson’s availability. He has missed the first two days of practice but the Colts do remain optimistic that he can play.
If Richardson can’t go, the quarterback run game will be out of the equation with Joe Flacco under center, but the general gameplan, which should consist of a run-heavy approach, should remain the same.