Marlon Mack, who has shown that he is deserving of a long-term contract extension, is heading into his fourth season for the Indianapolis Colts.
He has improved rushing yards every season that he has been in the league.
Mack also has increased his catch percentage every year.
It was 63.6 percent in his rookie year, 65.4 percent in his sophomore campaign, and 82.4 percent in 2019.
The man is on a mission, as he finished in the top 10 in rushing touchdowns in both 2018 and 2019.
His touches continue to increase and his production does as well, so what are realistic expectations for Mack with Philip Rivers now under center for the Colts?
Rushing Expectations
There are high expectations for Mack, especially after he did not fumble in all of 2019.
Unlike some running backs, Mack does not have a ball security problem.
He fumbled a combined three times in his first two seasons in the league.
To not fumble last season is an impressive feat for any player in the league.
Only 3 #NFL RB’s had 240+ carries last season… with 0 fumbles!#Colts Marlon Mack 247 for 4.4 yards/carry 1091 total#Jags Leonard Fournette 265 for 4.3 yards/carry 1152 total#Jets Le’Veon Bell 245 for 3.2 yards/carry 789 total pic.twitter.com/SrUBsAUYuY
— ColtsLaw (@Colts_Law) April 3, 2020
These three players did not fumble and had at least 240 carries, but Mack was the one atop the leaderboard in yards per carry and touchdowns.
Fournette and Bell combined for seven rushing and receiving touchdowns in 2019.
Mack and his fancy footwork scored a total of eight touchdowns on the ground in 2019.
Marlon Mack’s footwork is a thing of beauty 😮😮 @Marlon_Mack25 pic.twitter.com/3ClOlfWyHb
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 7, 2019
Although Mack set NFL defenses on fire last season, expectations can not be blown out of proportion for the up and coming running back.
In terms of rushing expectations, Mack fans have to remember that only one player rushed for 1,500 yards last season.
Derrick Henry, the rushing leader at 1,540 yards, needed the 17th week of the season to accomplish this feat.
For Mack, a 1,100-yard rushing season with eight rushing touchdowns is a safe expectation because of Rivers’ propensity to be a gunslinger.
There were 10 rushers who reached the 1,100-yard mark in 2019 (Mack was 11th at 1,091 yards).
However, the ceiling for Mack should be around the 1,250-yard area and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Last season, only seven rushers had 10 touchdowns, and just four rushers had at least 1,250 yards.
Receiving Expectations
Mack’s receiving involvement took a downturn in 2019 due to Jacoby Brissett’s inability to get him the football.
Rivers will be able to involve Mack more, as the former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback will be adjusting to a new offense.
While in California, Rivers utilized his running backs very often and would allow them to run in space.
If there is anyone that likes to make potential tacklers look silly, it is Mack:
MARLON MACK. SPIN CYCLE. 🌀😳 #JAXvsIND pic.twitter.com/j0CXPxjePd
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 17, 2019
With Mack’s ability to make defenders miss, Rivers would be glad to have Mack as a safety blanket.
There is a chance that Rivers will have Mack line up wide as well.
There are many possibilities in the upcoming season for this Colts team because of the number of offensive weapons they have.
In his rookie season, Mack saw his 33 targets, his most in a season.
Last year, two of Rivers’ top five targets were running backs, and they combined for 163 targets, 134 receptions, and 1,289 receiving yards.
The expectation for Mack will not be anywhere near Austin Ekeler’s almost 1,000 yards receiving in 2019.
However, Mack should get 300 receiving yards and a few receiving touchdowns.
Mack’s career should continue to improve in 2020, as he finishes with around 1,400 total yards with double-digit touchdowns.
NEXT: 3 Quarterbacks The Colts Could Target In The Later-Rounds Of The Draft