The Indianapolis Colts have struggled to assemble a run game since the days of their Super Bowl LI win over the Chicago Bears, the season after Edgerrin James left for the Arizona Cardinals. However, Marlon Mack may be the bell-cow the Colts have desired since the mid-2000s.
According to Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader, the 2017 fourth-round pick from South Florida has taken another step in his development through five games of his third NFL season.
“A back who’s really grown,” Reader characterized Mack for reporters on Wednesday. “This year he’s shown a lot more patience in what he does. He’s got good burst. He’s fast. He can run.”
Mack has tallied 470 yard and two touchdowns on 101 carries, including two 100-yard rush games, along with catching seven passes for 42 yards. However, it isn’t just the Colts’ offensive line that has paved the way for Mack as much as it is the back’s vision to see the openings.
“This year he’s done a (good) job of seeing the hole, letting the holes develop with that offensive line that he’s got and he’s done a good job of just kind of being patient in the hole,” said Reader. “If a guy takes a peek, he’s making him pay for it now. So, I think he’s grown as a back and he’s a really good feature back in their offense now. He’s the main back.”
The Texans will have to take down Mack, their main back, and keep the Colts one-dimensional if they hope to deliver Indianapolis their third loss of the season and increase their grip on sole first place in the AFC South.
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