The Indianapolis Colts traded up to secure the selection of the most productive three-year running back in college football history and now will have to navigate a crowded backfield that is filled with diverse talent.
With Marlon Mack returning as the starter after setting a career-high in rushing yards (1,091), the Colts drafted Jonathan Taylor in the second round. Many have been wondering what the split will look like on early downs between the two.
Colts head coach Frank Reich gave a bit of insight into their plans but not anything that makes the picture any clearer.
Reich told reporters Wednesday that Mack will begin the season as the starter but the backfield will essentially be running with the hot-hand approach.
This was to be somewhat expected. Mack is coming off of a strong season and while Taylor may be better suited to carry the workload, the Colts know they have two talented backs to lean on.
Both explosive pieces that bring different elements to the backfield, Mack and Taylor should be expected to share work at least for the beginning of the season. If one proves to be more consistent than the other, then the tide could turn.
However, the Colts are going to start the season using the diverse talents in the backfield at almost an equal rate. The hot-hand approach comes into play when one of these backs gets on a roll in a particular game.
This doesn’t even mention the role that Nyheim Hines will have in the backfield as the pass-catcher, which adds another element to the mix when trying to project the workloads for each player.
So while it may not be what fantasy managers wanted to hear, the hot-hand approach is to be expected in Indy.
