Stopping RB Mack’s trucks a challenge for defense

Indianapolis running back Marlon Mack ran for a franchise playoff record 148 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries in the Colts’ 21-7 AFC wild-card playoff victory over the Texans last Jaunaury.

Mack has continued that upward trend this season, ranking seventh in the NFL with 470 rushing yards heading into Sunday’s pivotal AFC South game against the Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The film session for the Texans’ defense from that game provides an ugly reminder of what can happen against a quick, decisive runner following the interference of an excellent offensive line headlined by Quenton Nelson, an All-Pro left guard.

“I saw too much in the playoff game,” Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said. “I hope not to see as much this game, but the guy has strong legs, he runs hard, he has some patience to find the daylight and he’ll run to daylight, and when you give him daylight, he gains yards.”

The Colts are averaging 142 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL.

The progress of Mack has made the Colts’ transition from retired quarterback Andrew Luck to Jacoby Brissett much smoother.

“A back who’s really grown; this year, he’s shown a lot more patience in what he does,” Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader said. “He’s got good burst. He’s fast. He can run. This year, he’s done a job of seeing the hole, letting the holes develop with that offensive line that he’s got, and he’s done a good job of just kind of being patient in the hole.

“If a guy takes a peek, he’s making him pay for it now. So, I think he’s grown as a back and he’s a really good feature back in their offense now. He’s the main back.”

The Texans have allowed 88 rushing yards per game, ninth in the NFL.

The Texans’ priority is stopping Mack.

“He does a good job of finding the holes, bursting through them once he gets there and getting the yards, getting the extra yards and breaking tackles,” Texans defensive end J.J. Watt said. “You have to do a good job of tackling him, getting him on the ground.

“Obviously as a defensive line, it’s always imperative to stop the run, and that’s our goal every week.”