Trent Richardson’s Success is On Trent Richardson

May 26, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Trent Richardson (33) carries the ball under the supervision of running backs coach Bernie Parmalee at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Trent Richardson (33) carries the ball under the supervision of running backs coach Bernie Parmalee at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Its put up or shut up time for Trent Richardson

The Ravens have officially signed Trent Richardson. To even get this opportunity Richardson had to earn it. Richardson failed with the Cleveland Browns, who took him with the third pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He failed with the Indianapolis Colts. He did not last with the Oakland Raiders. Now he has something to prove in Baltimore.

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For the first time in Richardson’s career, the team that employs him did not invest a lot to get him. If he continues his mediocre career with the Ravens, it’s a small disappointment. The Ravens got him cheap and the team isn’t banking on Richardson.

The Ravens have Justin Forsett, Buck Allen, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Terrence West and Terrance MaGee. The Ravens are not desperate at the running back position. Richardson is perhaps the most talented of these backs, but he has not proven it.

Richardson has a shot to make the team and to climb the depth chart. If good things are going to happen for Richardson, he has to make them happen. Richardson is getting his fourth shot in the NFL and the first two chances went south for a reason.

Richardson has always had an attitude. People have been questioning his work ethic from day one. Often in these kinds of matters, where there is smoke there is fire. Richardson needs to own his faults and fix them.

He just has not put in the work into his craft. It was pretty evident just by watching him play. Because the only other explanation for running to the right when the running lane was to the left is being blind.

Next: 2016 Ravens: Expectations Don't Matter

It surely isn’t talent that is holding him back. He’s got the ability. He’s fast and powerful. He just has to get it done.