5 players who Colts need to be great in 2020

3. RB Marlon Mack

There is no question that the Indianapolis Colts’ rushing attack relies heavily on Marlon Mack. The Colts have made Mack their primary ball-carrier for the past two years and he has been effective, but injuries have prevented Mack from playing a full season.

Mack is due to hit free agency this year and the Colts have already begun preparing for life without him by drafting Jonathan Taylor in the second round in April. Taylor will serve as a complementary back in his rookie year, but the Colts’ best chance for success will come with Mack at his best.

Indianapolis’s offense used to be extremely pass-heavy, but since Frank Reich took over in 2018 he has made it more balanced. That approach is very helpful to the health of the quarterback since a strong running game prevents edge rushers from just teeing off on the passer.

Keeping Mack on the field for 16 games would be a huge development for the Colts’ offense in 2020. A strong run game would be Philip Rivers’ best friend, so Mack needs to deliver an excellent performance in a contract year for Indianapolis in 2020.