Colts’ Addai could impress in silence in 2006

By Anthony Carroll  |   Wednesday, May 17, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Indianapolis Colts
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
On the Edgerrin James rushing scale, Joseph Addai won't make the weight.

As a part of the potent Indianapolis Colts offense, though, he may surprise some bystanders in 2006.

The Colts drafted the 5-11, 214-pound running back with the 30th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. Unlike most of the first-round slots, the Colts' was one of the few in which the position to be elected was an almost guaranteed lock. Laurence Maroney was considered to be one of the premiere options for the Indianapolis hierarchy to consider; however, the peak of the triangle decided to opt for LSU's Joseph Addai.

Addai will attempt to replace the hole left behind resulting from the departure of Edgerrin James, who will now suit up for the Arizona Cardinals. In seven seasons with the Colts, James carried the ball 2,188 times for 9,226 yards and 64 touchdowns. Last season, he racked up 1,506 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground with a 4.2 yards-per-carry average.

Addai won't have to ascend a modest ladder to replace James; it will be more like reaching the summit of the Rocky Mountains. But if there is one offensive unit to make lengthy strides in, it's Indianapolis'.

While opponents of teams such as the San Diego Chargers center their defensive gameplan mainly on the running back, opponents of the Indianapolis Colts have to worry about both the pass and run. Eight-year veteran, Peyton Manning, occupies three-fourths of the defensive gameplan by himself. In a 14-2 2006 outing, Manning threw for 3,747 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions--and that can be considered as an "off" season for the Tennessee alumnus. In just the season before, Manning threw for record-setting numbers, completing 336 passes for 4,557 and an implausible 49 touchdowns.

And don't forget about the other weaponry--Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Brandon Stokley. Together, all three wideouts hauled in 206 Manning-delivered passes for 2,744 yards, and 18 touchdowns.

There are limited hours in a week; and only so many will be spent planning for the Joseph Addai-led backfield attack.

In college, the attack was fairly fierce, too. In his four year's with the LSU Tigers, Addai carried the pigskin 482 times for 2,549 yards and 18 touchdowns. The 23-year-old took over the starting job as a junior, and proved to be one of the most versatile all-purpose backs in the nation. Along with his notable ground gains, Addai also gained 641 yards and six touchdowns through the air during his collegiate career.

When referring to his new running back, head coach Tony Dungy commented, "I think he's just going to be one of those guys that's going to let his actions speak a little louder than his words."

Don't be surprised if his actions quickly earn him the permanent starting role in Indianapolis and a few televised highlight reels in 2006.

Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com

• Get more Joseph Addai analysis at Realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (1)

About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report