Time To Go Brown?

In the past decade, NFL running backs have developed a much shorter life-span, one that limits most to a age limit of 30 years old. The Indianapolis Colts did not select Donald Brown in the first round last season, simply to have him ride the bench. If Brown can stay healthy he has proven that he has the tools and abilities to be productive and compliment a tremendous Colts passing attack. With that being said, it appears that it may be time for the Colts to begin the transfer process from  the Joseph Addai era to the Donald Brown era.

Addai is 27 years old, and with four NFL seasons weighing down on him, he is edging closer and closer to the 30 year old pitfall that has doomed a plethora of running backs before him. Although Addai will certainly be a part of this Colts offense for the next few seasons, it seems unlikely that Addai will be able to provide the same energy and burst that a much younger Brown can. 

However, it is not a question of whether or not Brown has the ability to succeed and thrive as Colts running back, it is a question of whether or not he can stay healthy. Neither Brown nor Addai carries a resume that pumps faith into their ability to stay healthy for an entire season. As a rookie Brown played in only 11 games, and for many of them he was not completely healthy. On the other hand, Addai has missed at least one game every season he has been in the NFL, but has proven the ability to play through pain and injury the majority of the time. 

The Colts front office has made it no secret that they are more than willing to let older running backs leave via free agency, regardless of their historical importance to the franchise. Although I believe Addai will still be the main back this season, it is only a matter of time until the Colts elect to go with Brown, forcing Addai to take a backseat or leave for different pastures. If Brown can remain healthy this season, look for him to slowly gain more and more carries as the season goes on.