After the Indianapolis Colts traded up to select Jonathan Taylor in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, many wondered what the future for Marlon Mack would be.
Fast forward a few months later and it is clear that Mack is still the starter in the 1-2 punch for the Colts to begin the season. He’s been having an excellent training camp, solidifying himself as the leader after another strong campaign in 2019.
But even some analysts aren’t giving Mack enough credit. Mike Tannebaum of ESPN called Mack’s 2019 season “sub par,” which caused general manager Chris Ballard to go on the offensive in favor of Mack.
Rookie RB Johnathan Taylor has the potential to see 40-45% of the carries this season for the @Colts.
The addition of Rivers, the sub par performance from Marlon Mack during 2019, along with the best offensive line in the NFL leaves Taylor with a recipe for success.
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) August 15, 2020
“Let me say this, watch the freakin’ tape. You can’t tweet on things if you are not…that’s why I don’t listen to any of that crap. Now, somebody that watches games and watches the tape, he’s got a voice,” Ballard told Dan Dakich of 1070 The Fan. “But how can you say that? Marlon Mack was freakin’ unbelievable. Did he not watch the freakin’ Sunday Night game against Kansas City? I almost cussed on radio. Stupidity on Twitter is at an all-time high right now. Marlon Mack has two 1,000-yard seasons and Marlon Mack is a hell of a player. And then he has a broken hand and misses some games and comes back and plays with a broken hand.”
Mack has been one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL since taking over the starting role in 2018. He’s dealt with some injuries over the last two seasons but has improved greatly with his vision and footwork behind the line of scrimmage.
Taylor is the shiny new toy for the Colts to use in the run game, and he will have success during his rookie season. But if training camp is any indication, Mack isn’t going anywhere for the 2020 season.