Colts RB Marlon Mack commented on splitting carries with Jonathan Taylor.
The Indianapolis Colts undoubtedly shocked fans when they traded up to select Jonathan Taylor, the undisputed best running back in the country for the last three seasons, in the 2020 NFL Draft. While nobody (we hope) doubted the talent of the Wisconsin product, the position simply wasn’t a pressing need entering the offseason.
It didn’t take long for fans in Indianapolis to fall in love with the pick, and they — along with dozens of analysts and pundits — subsequently predicted that Taylor would supplant Marlon Mack as the starter in short order.
At first, that notion made sense as the latter is entering a contract year. Most teams in the league go to great lengths to avoid paying running backs, so why would the Colts pay Mack with a potential superstar entering the fold on a rookie salary?
Despite seemingly everybody writing the 24-year-old stud off in recent months, his outlook on splitting carries with Taylor is the walking definition of professionalism.
#Colts RB: Marlon Mack on his thoughts of the new addition, Jonathan Taylor: pic.twitter.com/l9ZOSjHG6G
— Lawrence Owen (@Colts_Law) August 21, 2020
Mack’s response to the former Badger’s arrival should be music to the ears of fans in Indianapolis. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if this quote makes the Colts consider that maybe a committee of the two RBs should be the way forward.
After all, who are we to assume that Taylor will be able to handle a full NFL workload? The 21-year-old has all the makings of a three-down back, but it’s worth noting that, as young as he is, his legs already have significant mileage on them. Across three years at Wisconsin, he averaged a whopping 308.6 carries per season.
Early observations from Colts camp:
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 17, 2020
— Philip Rivers likes throwing to TY Hilton
— The d-line just *looks*completely different with Buckner in the middle
— Kenny Moore back to his usual self, blowing up plays
— for the 100th time, don’t sleep on Marlon Mack just bc Taylor is here
Furthermore, there are serious question marks surrounding Indianapolis’ quarterback situation. Free agent addition Philip Rivers only signed a one-year deal and Jacoby Brissett’s deal is expiring, so the franchise will likely be left without a starter after the upcoming season.
Having a two-headed monster in the backfield will only prove to benefit the Colts and it’s awesome to hear that Mack is embracing sharing the wealth with the former Wisconsin sensation. We couldn’t have asked for a better response from the former fourth-round pick.