Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack took over the game Sunday despite the overtime loss against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In what wound up being a new single-game career-high in rushing yards (174), Mack took 25 carries to balance out the offense in an explosives second half.
His performance Sunday was good enough to make Pro Football Focus’ Week 1 Team of the Week with a grade of 85.3.
Mack’s 7.0 yards per carry average on the day was impressive, but even more impressive was the fact that he averaged 3.48 yards after contact per carry. He only forced two missed tackles on 25 carries, but his consistent running saw 11 of them go for a first down or touchdown.
Mack struggled during the first half of the game, but blew up in the second half. Coincidentally, the offensive line was much better in creating running lanes for Mack and the rest of the backfield once the second half got underway.
The third-year back has become exactly what the Colts envisioned him. He played 76% of the offensive snaps, proving he has taken over the role as a three-down back in the backfield.
The Colts have immense confidence in Mack, and he’s proving to be an explosive playmaker behind a stout offensive line.
