INDIANAPOLIS — Marlon Mack's career day is officially coming with some well-earned recognition.
The NFL announced today that the Indianapolis Colts running back was voted by fans as the FedEx Ground Player of the Week.
It's the first time Mack has been selected for the award; he becomes the third player in Colts history to be named the FedEx Ground Player of the Week, joining Edgerrin James (2004, Week 11) and Joseph Addai (2006, Week 12).
Mack consistently found himself in the second level — and beyond — last Sunday in the Colts' season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers; in all, he compiled 25 carries for a career-high 174 yards — an average of 7.0 yards per carry — with one touchdown. It marked the fifth 100-yard rushing game of his career.
Mack's 63-yard rushing touchdown midway through the third quarter was the longest of his career. His 25 carries (tied for third) and 7.0 rushing average (fifth) were also among the best single-game totals of his career.
Mack, who fought through a nagging hamstring injury early last season to run for 908 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 regular season games, currently leads the NFL in rushing yards; he was one of only five players in the league to eclipse 100 yards rushing in Week 1.
With a good push up front, Mack was able to get yards both up the middle and by being more patient and utilizing stretch runs to the outside — something head coach Frank Reich said was no coincidence.
"I think a lot of that came with just him being healthy for the whole offseason and just getting his body in the best shape it's probably been in – strength and speed," Reich said of Mack this week. "That combination – strength and speed – equals power. Marlon (Mack) is not a small guy either. I mean he is not the biggest guy, but he is not a small guy. So with his quickness, his acceleration and his strength, he is certainly showing he can make yards after contact."
