Why Marlon Mack Should Start in Week One
By Ryan Dunne
The Indianapolis Colts are about to play their third preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, also known as the “dress rehearsal” game where the starters play well into the third quarter.
Even players like wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and cornerback Vontae Davis will be among those starters who should see the field for at least the first half of action.
Even though running back Frank Gore is the starting tailback for right now, head coach Chuck Pagano needs to look at rookie running back Marlon Mack as a potential starter.
I know, some people are thinking that there is some overreaction because of his game he had against the Dallas Cowboys where he has five rushes for 45 yards. But Pagano has already praised Mack’s performance in camp, and he is a more dynamic playmaker than the 34-year-old Gore.
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Mack was a third round pick out of USF, and he’s shown elusiveness, speed, and toughness when running the ball. Whereas Gore’s age seems to be catching up with him averaging less than 4 yards per carry over the last two season.
I understand it’s the preseason and Mack was playing against some guys who won’t be there for the Cowboys on week one, but he provides speed at the running back position that has been missing for some time.
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The Colts need a spark on offense, especially with the play we have seen from backup quarterback Scott Tolzien, who could be starting in place of Andrew Luck in week one.
Mack could be the exact player this offense needs in 2017.