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Following a promising rookie season, there are many hoping to see a breakout campaign from Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and they should be encouraged by that possibility with what he’s shown at training camp thus far.
Regardless of whether Carson Wentz or Jacob Eason has been under center, Pittman Jr. has been highly targeted and has proven to be the leading receiver in the offense.
Head coach Frank Reich believes the breakout is coming in Year 2 and discussed why Pittman Jr. has the makings to be an alpha wide receiver.
“Pittman Jr., he’s one of my favorite guys as far as the toughness and mentality. We have a lot of tough guys on our team but his approach mentally is second to none,” Reich told reporters Wednesday. “The guy is a warrior. He wants to take every rep, you have to hold him back. He’s always fighting to get better. I think he’s ready to take a big step this year.”
Pittman Jr. has been one of the stars of Colts training camp. Working from the X role in the formation, the USC product has been making big plays whether it be contested down the field or in the red zone.
It does seem the Colts are trying to get Pittman Jr. more looks on vertical routes, which is exciting given that the majority of his routes came on slants, drags and digs—partly due to the skill set of Philip Rivers.
Even with T.Y. Hilton back in the mix and Parris Campbell stringing together some solid days, Pittman Jr. has been the one leading the room.
It will be interesting to see how much more involved Pittman Jr. is when the Colts start playing games, but the smoke is beginning to build when it comes to a potential breakout year.
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