INDIANAPOLIS -- The excitement over the addition of running back Frank Gore in the spring of 2015 was obvious.
It had to have been after two years of abysmal running from Trent Richardson.
Gore brought a résumé to Indianapolis that included at least 1,000 rushing years in eight of his 10 NFL seasons.
Despite Indianapolis' poor offensive line, you figured he would become the Colts’ first running back since 2007 to rush for 1,000 yards.
Gore was good, but it still wasn't enough.
Richardson, because of his poor work ethic, deserved plenty of blame for the team's rushing problems. However, the fact that Gore couldn’t crack 1,000 yards on the ground truly showed how bad the offensive line general manager Ryan Grigson put together was.
Frank Gore
2015 stats: 260 attempts, 967 yards, six TDs
Rewind: The finger definitely can NOT be pointed at Gore. He lived up to his reputation as being a tough running back who can play through pain. He was frustrated that he didn’t get his 1,000 rushing yards. Gore called this season one of the most trying of his career. He failed to crack 100 yards rushing in a game. In fact, he topped over 90 yards rushing in a game just once -- 98 yards at Houston in Week 5 -- all season.
Going forward: Gore is expected to be back, but Grigson has to assemble a better offensive line. No more excuses. They need a better line to protect quarterback Andrew Luck, and they need a better line to open up holes for Gore and the rest of the running backs.
2015 stats: 31 attempts, 85 yards, 0 TD
Rewind: The Colts signed Bradshaw to his third stint with the team in October. He was the perfect piece to go with Gore. Bradshaw wasted no time catching touchdown passes out of the backfield. He had three touchdown receptions in his six games. But just like the previous two seasons, Bradshaw’s season got cut short due to injury. He suffered a broken wrist against Tampa Bay on Nov. 29.
Going forward: Bradshaw is a free agent, and the Colts have to decide if he’s worth bringing back for a fourth stint. Bradshaw is what the Colts need when he’s healthy. But three seasons and three season-ending injuries may be too much for Indianapolis to stomach.
2015 stats: 14 attempts, 42 yards, 0 TD
Rewind: The Colts cut Herron after he suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason finale against Cincinnati. They claimed Herron off waivers from Buffalo on Nov. 26. Herron, who ended the 2014 season as the Colts’ starting running back, never really got an established role when he returned, though.
Going forward: Herron is a restricted free agent.
2015 stats: 17 attempts, 39 yards, 0 TD
Rewind: Robinson, a former SEC standout at Mississippi State, entered the NFL with a lot of confidence. Colts coach Chuck Pagano said early on that Robinson had the potential to be an every down back in the NFL. Not only did Robinson have fumbling problems in the preseason and regular season, he ended up being released and re-signed to the practice squad before being placed on the practice squad injured reserve.
Going forward: The Colts have to find a backup to Gore and his potential replacement because he’ll be 33-years-old next season. Robinson will be given the opportunity to earn some snaps next season.