Colts GM Chris Ballard is done with the Marlon Mack slander.
When the Indianapolis Colts drafted Jonathan Taylor — the nation’s best college running back — in the second round this past April, everyone just started writing off starter Marlon Mack given the fact he’s entering a contract year.
Most notably, former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum called Mack’s 2019 performance “subpar” and that he was in danger of losing his job to the the rookie. But guess what? Mack rushed for nearly 1,100 yards (4.4 YPC) and scored eight touchdowns in 14 games. In what world is that subpar?
Well, Colts GM Chris Ballard has had enough of the criticism of his skilled running back and came to his defense.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard defends Marlon Mack: Watch the tape https://t.co/QBljay4977
— TheColtsWire (@TheColtsWire) August 29, 2020
In an appearance on the Dan Dakich Show, here’s what Ballard had to say about Tannenbaum and others doubting Mack:
"“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. 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. Off season, my ass.”"
Go off my man!! Ballard was a few moments away from blowing a gasket and going full NSFW on the air. And as one of the best talent evaluators in the NFL, he has every right to do so. Ballard’s built this team back to a contender in a short amount of time since taking over and the impressive results speak for themselves.
Certainly wouldn't characterize Marlon Mack's 2019 as "sub par."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 15, 2020
— 1,100 yd season/8 TDs in 14 games
— games of 174 vs LA, 132 vs. KC, 109 vs. JAX
— broke his hand in Week 11, had surgery and was back in the lineup two weeks later https://t.co/CBPYzLP9Ty
Just because Ballard saw an opportunity to stack the backfield with two tremendous talents doesn’t mean he’s ready to jump ship on the guy who’s got 2,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 26 games over the last two seasons.
Maybe former evaluators should stick to retirement and leave the heavy lifting for those who are employed.
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