The Indianapolis Colts are having to game plan without one of their best offensive assets in running back Marlon Mack, but this has also given them a chance to see the success of Jonathan Williams in the meantime.
Mack won’t play in Week 13 due to a hand fracture. This means Williams will be the one carrying the workload for the Colts backfield again like he did in Week 12 against the Houston Texans.
While Mack has been a success story in his own right this season, Williams is also making a quick name for himself since taking over in the former’s absence. It’s something offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni was excited to see.
“Yeah, I think we have seen that he is able to carry the load – have 20 carries and be able to protect the football. He is a big guy that is tough to tackle and also he has enough shiftiness to make guys miss as well,” Sirianni told reporters Tuesday. “So we are very pleased with what he has shown us and been able to carry the football and carry the workload in that run game. That has been nice to see.”
Williams has been wonderful in the absence of Mack. He took 13 carries for 116 yards in Week 11 against the Jaguars and then took 26 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown in Week 12 against the Texans. Much of his success must be attributed to the play of the offensive line, of course.
However, Williams has truly embraced the “Next Man Up” mantra by keeping the success of the running game going.
Though injuries are never fun or wished for, they are a part of the game. Being able to have Williams come in and have immediate success in the most crucial part of the season for the Colts is huge.
“The next guy is up and you have these relationships with these guys that you are really excited for them when they get their opportunity and they take advantage of it. That is rewarding as a coach and that is rewarding to see that happen for them and your ability as a coach too,” Sirianni said. “I mean you never want to see anyone get hurt obviously, but the bright side of it is it is nice when they step in – like Jonathan (Williams) has – and succeed.”
The Colts have a tough opponent in the Titans coming up for Week 13 where they will once again turn to Williams to lead one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL.