Colts RB Joseph Addai had 544 rushing yards last season and averaged 3.5 yards per carry. (Amy Sancetta / Associated Press)

The Colts were next to last in rushing last season and finished one-and-done in the playoffs, losing to the Chargers. Colts owner Jim Irsay and center Jeff Saturday told the Indianapolis Star that establishing the running game is a priority in 2009:

“We’ve got to get the offensive line fixed,” Irsay said.

Does Saturday agree? Absolutely. “We’ve got to be better,” he said. “There’s definitely unfinished business.”

The running game was a lightning rod for criticism in 2008. It ranked No. 31 in yards per game and No. 32 in yards per attempt. The 3.4 yards-per-attempt average is the fifth lowest in club history.

The Colts did have injuries on the offensive line, including Saturday, who missed four games last season. RB Joseph Addai also fought through injuries last season — something about which fantasy owners don’t need to be reminded.

However, NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks believes the Colts’ running game might be hurt by not having a fullback. The Colts and Cardinals didn’t employ a fullback last season, and both teams finished at the bottom of the league in rushing.

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