Former UNC wide receiver Josh Downs continues to show why he is one of the NFL’s most talented rookies.
Downs currently ranks fifth among rookies with 255 receiving yards, trailing only Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell and Los Angeles Rams rookie Puka Nacua.
Downs’ most impressive outing just came on Sunday, Oct. 8, as he led the Colts with an NFL career-high 97 receiving yards. Adding on to Downs’ stellar outing was the fact he caught all six of his passes.
Rookie to rookie magic. ✨@GVOaant ➡️ @JoshDowns
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/bJXVAFveBg
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 8, 2023
Catching a pass with defenders bearing down on you is difficult. In the above clip, however, Downs catches a bomb from fellow rookie Anthony Richardson. Downs then braces for contact and holds onto the ball, putting his team in great field position.
Opposing defenders feared guarding Downs in college, as the Georgia native ended his UNC career with 2,483 receiving yards (fourth-most in school history) and 22 touchdowns (second). Downs ended his time in Chapel Hill with three 100-yard outings in his final five games, including a 100-yard performance in the ACC championship against Clemson.
Joined by former USC Trojan Michael Pittman and Cincinnati Bearcat Alec Pierce, Downs helps give the Colts one of the league’s best young wide receiver trios.
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