Three games in to the 2024 NFL season, and the Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce has been one of the most productive downfield targets at the receiver position.
This element had always been a calling card for Pierce, but having a quarterback with Anthony Richardson’s arm talent has helped unlock that ability–not to mention what was an offseason and training camp performance that GM Chris Ballard said was the best he’s seen from Pierce.
Over these first three games, Pierce’s six targets of at least 20 yards are tied for the fifth-most in the NFL. His three receptions on those targets are the most and his 161 yards on deep targets ranks second, according to PFF.
Pierce’s ability to come up with these big plays has been one of the few sparks for this Colts offense. In Week 1 against Houston, one of Pierce’s deep receptions ended as a touchdown and the other set up an eventual touchdown. Then against Chicago, Pierce’s 44 yard reception put the Colts in scoring position but they could not capitalize.
It’s been a very boom-or-bust start for the Colts passing game. This is a unit that ranks among the best in generating big plays, but they’ve struggled mightily to sustain drives because of the inconsistency on the short to intermediate routes.
Pierce, who wanted to showcase his versatility this season, has provided some help in those parts of the field as well, which included leading the team in receiving yards against Green Bay, despite not having a downfield catch.
Finding more stability in the passing game starts with Anthony Richardson being more accurate. Having Josh Downs back in the mix will certainly help, and more is needed from Michael Pittman, who has caught 57 percent of his targets at just 8.0 yards per catch.
While the big play potential is great, that can’t be an offense’s only avenue for moving the ball either. The passing game won’t find stability until there is improvement in those other areas of the field.