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Difficulty learning complex playbook could be behind Colts RB Richardson's struggles

Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson has been a huge disappointment. 

The Colts traded a 2014 first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Richardson ahead of the NFL's trade deadline, expecting him to anchor the team's power running attack. Richardson has done anything but live up to expectations, getting benched in favor of Donald Brown. 

In the Colts' Wild Card weekend victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Richardson fumbled away his lone carry of the game.

"You feel like you've got to redeem yourself for it," Richardson said, via The Indianapolis Star. "That replays in my head every day when I come out to work."

No one seems to know why the former No. 3 overall draft pick has struggled so badly this season. Theories abound, including one suggesting a rumored sex tape distracted him all year.

The real reason for Richardson's difficulties could be more academic, Tom James of The Tribune Star suggests.

James says he's been told by Colts tight end Coby Fleener that the team's playbook is extremely big and complex. Richardson was traded mid-season, so he didn't have the benefit of offseason team activities and training camp to learn the offense.

It's an interesting theory. If true, it suggests we'll see a different Richardson on the field next season.

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