Zack Moss, a powerful and dynamic running back for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL, has steadily carved a niche for himself in the league since being drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Known for his explosive style of play, vision, and ability to break tackles, Moss has shown both promise and persistence throughout his career, making him one of the more intriguing players in the league today.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Zack Moss’s career stats, analyze his development as a player, and explore the nuances of his playing style. We’ll cover his college career, NFL journey, and stats from the 2023 season, as well as discuss what makes him a unique asset to his team and what the future may hold for this up-and-coming star.
Zack Moss
Born on September 15, 1997, in Chula Vista, California, Zack Moss developed a passion for football at an early age. His physical attributes standing at 5’9″ and weighing around 223 pounds combined with his vision and power made him a standout prospect during his high school years. Moss chose to attend the University of Utah, where he quickly became one of the top running backs in the NCAA.
Before entering the NFL, Moss left an indelible mark on the college football scene, becoming a household name for Utah fans. His ability to break through tackles and his vision as a ball carrier drew the attention of NFL scouts, which ultimately led to his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, Moss has gone on to prove himself as a reliable running back, contributing not just with his rushing ability but also in the passing game. Let’s explore his stats and performances in greater detail.
Zack Moss College Career: A Foundation for Success
Before being drafted to the NFL, Moss had a standout career at the University of Utah. Over four years (2016-2019), Moss established himself as one of the most accomplished running backs in the nation, earning multiple accolades for his hard-nosed running style.
Key College Stats:
Total Rushing Yards: 4,067 yards
Total Rushing Touchdowns: 38
Average Rushing Yards per Carry: 6.0 yards
Receptions: 56 catches for 426 yards and 2 touchdowns
Games Played: 47
In his senior year, Moss was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection after rushing for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns. His combination of power, agility, and vision made him a top-tier running back prospect heading into the NFL Draft.
Zack Moss’s NFL Career: A Steady Rise
After being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Moss was expected to contribute immediately. His physical running style, coupled with his strong football IQ, made him an attractive option for a team looking to bolster its running game.
However, Moss’s early career with the Bills was not without challenges, including competition for playing time and a few injury setbacks. His primary role was to complement Devin Singletary, the starting running back at the time, as a powerful short-yardage and goal-line back.
2020 NFL Stats (Rookie Season)
Rushing Yards: 481 yards
Rushing Touchdowns: 4
Receptions: 14 catches for 95 yards
Average Yards per Carry: 4.3 yards
Games Played: 13
Moss’s rookie season was a solid introduction to the NFL. While his performance was not groundbreaking, he showed glimpses of his potential as a capable power back, especially in goal-line situations. Moss played in 13 games during the regular season, proving himself as a reliable piece of the Buffalo backfield.
2021 NFL Season: Challenges and Growth
The 2021 NFL season was a rollercoaster for Moss. Despite expectations that he would see an increase in his role within the Bills’ offense, he struggled with inconsistency, and his workload became unpredictable. Moss dealt with various challenges in his second season, including competition from rookie Antonio Williams and a limited role due to the rise of the Bills’ passing game. However, he continued to provide depth to the backfield when called upon.
2021 NFL Stats:
Rushing Yards: 203 yards
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Receptions: 10 catches for 62 yards
Average Yards per Carry: 3.9 yards
Games Played: 13
Though his stats dropped in 2021, Moss still displayed moments of brilliance and was particularly effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He was effective in moving the chains and picking up tough yards, even when the Bills’ offensive game plan focused more on Josh Allen and the passing attack.
2022 Trade to the Indianapolis Colts
During the 2022 NFL season, Moss was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in a deal that sent Nyheim Hines to the Buffalo Bills. The trade presented a new opportunity for Moss to take on a larger role in the Colts’ backfield, which had experienced instability due to injuries to starters like Jonathan Taylor. Upon joining the Colts, Moss was given a more prominent role and became a key contributor in the running game. His physical running style and ability to churn out yards helped stabilize the Colts’ offense as they navigated the loss of their star players.
2022 NFL Stats (Post-Trade to Colts):
Rushing Yards: 428 yards
Rushing Touchdowns: 3
Receptions: 11 catches for 75 yards
Average Yards per Carry: 4.3 yards
Games Played: 9
Moss showed increased proficiency with the Colts, making an immediate impact as the lead back. His ability to break tackles and sustain long drives made him a valuable asset for Indianapolis.
2023 NFL Season: Stepping Up as the Lead Back
As the 2023 NFL season unfolded, Moss continued to evolve into a more complete running back, becoming a key figure in the Colts’ rushing attack. With Jonathan Taylor still recovering from injuries, Moss had the chance to shine as the primary ball carrier for the Colts. His performance was instrumental in the Colts’ offensive success, and his increased workload allowed him to demonstrate more of his versatile skills.
2023 NFL Stats (As of Midseason):
Rushing Yards: 650 yards
Rushing Touchdowns: 5
Receptions: 18 catches for 122 yards
Average Yards per Carry: 4.5 yards
Games Played: 8
Moss’s performance during the 2023 season has been impressive, with a career-high in total rushing yards and touchdowns. His ability to gain yards after contact and his improved vision in the open field have allowed him to handle a larger workload. Additionally, his contributions as a receiver out of the backfield have added another layer to his game, making him more valuable to the Colts’ offense.
Playing Style and Strengths
Zack Moss’s playing style is defined by his physicality, balance, and vision. He is a between-the-tackles runner, often known for grinding out tough yards, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Let’s break down the key components of his playing style.
Power Running and Tackling Breaking: Moss’s ability to break tackles and churn out extra yards after contact is one of his standout attributes. He combines strength, balance, and a low center of gravity to shed would-be tacklers, often pushing forward for additional yards. This makes him an asset in short-yardage situations and critical down scenarios, where every yard matters.
Vision and Patience: One of Moss’s strengths as a running back is his vision. He has the ability to patiently wait for holes to develop, often allowing his blockers to create space before he accelerates through the gap. This makes him effective on both inside and outside runs, as he can read defenses and make quick decisions on where to attack.
Pass Catching and Versatility: Although Moss is primarily known for his ability to run the ball, he has also developed into a reliable pass-catching back. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield allows him to be a versatile weapon, keeping defenses on their toes and adding a dimension to his game beyond just rushing the ball.
Pass Protection: Moss has shown that he can excel in pass protection, an often-overlooked skill for running backs. His ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback has made him an asset in the passing game, particularly in passing situations.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Zack Moss?
The future looks promising for Zack Moss. As he continues to develop his skills and refine his craft, he is becoming a key player for the Indianapolis Colts. If Moss can stay healthy and maintain his level of performance, he could evolve into one of the top running backs in the NFL, particularly as the Colts continue to build their offense.nWith Jonathan Taylor’s future in question and the team looking to establish a more balanced offensive attack, Moss may find himself in a prominent position for years to come.
FAQs
What is Zack Moss’ playing style?
Zack Moss is known for his tough, physical running style. He has excellent vision and is tough to bring down, making him a reliable option in short-yardage situations. Moss is also capable of catching passes out of the backfield, adding another dimension to his skill set. His patience and ability to break tackles make him an ideal workhorse for a ground-and-pound offense.
How does Zack Moss compare to other running backs in the NFL?
Zack Moss is often considered a solid, reliable running back, but he’s not typically ranked among the top elite players in the league like Derrick Henry or Christian McCaffrey. However, Moss has proven to be an excellent complementary back who can provide stability to a team’s ground game. His ability to be a balanced back who can run and catch the ball makes him valuable, especially in a backfield or as a lead rusher for a run-heavy offense.
How is Zack Moss’ injury history?
As of now, Zack Moss has had a few injuries throughout his career but has generally been able to recover and perform at a high level. He suffered an ankle injury during his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills but returned to form in later years. Staying healthy is crucial for Moss, as he plays a physical style of football, often absorbing a lot of contact.
Is Zack Moss in a timeshare or a featured role in his current team?
Zack Moss currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts and is often featured as a key part of their running back committee. However, depending on the game and matchup, he has shown the ability to carry a heavy workload when needed. He shares the backfield with other players, but his role as a strong, dependable back has allowed him to stand out in both running and passing situations.
What is Zack Moss’ Fantasy Football Value?
Zack Moss can be a solid fantasy football option, especially in PPR (point per reception) leagues, given his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He can provide steady points as a running back2 or flex play. However, his fantasy value can fluctuate depending on his team’s offensive scheme, the presence of other backs in the system, and his performance in any given season.
In Summary
Zack Moss’s journey in the NFL has been one of growth, persistence, and opportunity. From his standout college career at Utah to becoming a key contributor for the Indianapolis Colts, Moss’s stats reflect his progression as a reliable running back. His combination of power, vision, and versatility has made him a crucial asset to his team.
As the 2023 NFL season continues, all eyes will be on Moss as he looks to continue his ascent and prove himself as one of the league’s top backs. Whether he’s powering through tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, Moss’s potential seems limitless, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this hard-working and dynamic running back.
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