Mark Glowinski Impressing in the NFL
Former West Virginia Mountaineer Mark Glowinski’s stock has increased immensely since last season. Seattle’s 2015 4th round draft pick was waived by the Seahawks on December 16th, 2017, but he wasn’t without a team very long. Two days later, he was claimed off the waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on December 18th. In the offseason, he battled for a spot on the team’s final roster. His versatility helped him make the team by taking snaps at both guard spots, tackle, and even center. The former 2014 All-Big 12 offensive guard was able to return to his right guard position on the Colts’ offensive line.
The Indianapolis Colts got off to a slow start in the 2018 campaign. Without Glowinski starting, the Colts were 1-4 through the first 5 games. Glowinski started week 6 and the Colts went 9-2 to finish the regular season. By the season's end, the Colts’ offense line allowed only 18 sacks which was good for the fewest in the NFL. The importance of developing chemistry on the offensive line is key for any team. As the only starter on the offensive line drafted after the second round, he has flown under the radar but has proved worthy with spectacular pass protection and run blocking. His teammates on the offensive line have praised him. Offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo said, “If everyone had a chance to watch Glowinski in the weight room, they would be incredibly impressed with him. He’s a physical specimen and has the ability to physically move people out of the way, which is a huge thing for a guard.” Glowinski was recently listed by Optimum Scouting’s Ian Wharton as one of seven breakout players set to cash in a sizeable payday in the 2019 free agency market. Wharton’s Fansided article mentioned, “Mark Glowinski will immediately be an upgrade for at least one-third of NFL offenses and his price will swell due to the lack of supply.”
The Colts are still alive in the NFL Playoffs after upsetting the Houston Texans 21-7 on Saturday. Glowinski started and led the team with 72 snaps in the win. The Colts offensive line paved the way against the NFL’s top run defense. The Colts managed to average 5.7 yards per carry against the Texans who typically give up a league-low 3.4 yards per carry. Also, the offensive line did not allow any sacks and Andrew Luck only got hit 4 times during the game. Glowinski and the Colts will be back in action Saturday in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs.