The criticism aimed at Browns featured back Trent Richardson last season centered on his tentative approach to hitting holes, but a rib injury played a role in his uncertainty. He was far more aggressive this preseason and has expressed a strong desire to show his explosiveness in 2013. He will be motivated to get off to a strong start Sunday against Miami.
The Dolphins run defense ranked 13th in the NFL last year at 108.4 yards per game and they yielded just 10 rushing touchdowns. But the Browns boast two Pro Bowl offensive linemen in left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack and potentially a third in blossoming right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. Though they averaged just 3.0 yards per carry in the preseason, they used Richardson sparingly.
With no experienced backup, look for Richardson to run at least 20-25 times against Miami and be a mainstay in goal-line situations. Richardson, who seeks to increase his 2012 per-rush average of 3.6, understands the importance of playing well against the Dolphins.
"You really want to set the tone," he told the Miami Herald. "I know people say it's not about how you start, it's how you finish. You still want to get off to a good start. You still want to win that season opener."
Richardson has been ranked as a No. 1 option and at least a top eight potential scorer this week by the CBSSports.com senior Fantasy writers.