Assessing every Colts offensive position group for 2020

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for a touchdown in the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2. Running back group

2019 RB Group

RB1: Marlon Mack

RB2: Nyheim Hines

RB3: Jordan Wilkins

2020 RB Group

RB1a: Marlon Mack

RB1b: Jonathan Taylor (R)

RB2: Nyheim Hines

RB3: Jordan Wilkins

Similarly to the quarterback position, the Colts made significant upgrades at the running back position. In 2019, the group performed very well as Marlon Mack rushed for over 1,000 yards and Nyheim Hines was a perfect dual-threat complement. The team ranked seventh overall in rushing yards per game with 133.1 and tied for 29th in fumbles lost with just 3.

Mack has a ton of potential and is improving every year. He played only 12 games in 2018 but finished with 908 yards and 9 touchdowns on 4.7 yards per carry. He improved and played in 14 games last season, totaling 1,091 yards and 8 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry.

Hines has been a perfect complement to Mack in their two seasons, specifically on the receiving end and on special teams. He’s a dynamic threat alongside the 1,000-yard rusher moving forward.

Regardless of how solid Mack was in his two seasons as the starter, his injury history was a large enough concern that the front office went out and found his potential replacement. They drafted one of the most prolific college running backs of the decade, Wisconsin back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor broke countless records in his three college seasons and looks to be Mack’s long-term replacement once he gets his footing in the NFL. The way his career has gone so far, it’s likely it won’t take very long.

The verdict: Improvement

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