Indianapolis Colts third-year wide receiver Alec Pierce ranks among the best in receiving following an impressive Week 1 performance.
In the Colts’ loss to the Houston Texans, Pierce finished the game with three receptions, totaling 125 yards. Only the Green Bay Packers’ Jayden Reed, with 138 yards, and the Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill, with 130 yards, had more.
Just about all of Pierce’s production came on two deep ball passes from Anthony Richardson. The first came on a 60 yard strike from Richardson that went for a touchdown. The second big play went for 57 yards and set up an eventual touchdown.
Not surprisingly with those numbers, Pierce also ranks second in downfield receiving yards (or receptions on passes of 20-plus yards), downfield receptions, and average yards per catch, according to PFF.
Pierce’s ability to make downfield plays has always been his calling card. However, consistency in those situations has been lacking during his first two NFL seasons.
The catalyst behind what we saw from Pierce on Sunday was a strong training camp performance, where he was a steady presence in the passing game. Following camp, GM Chris Ballard called Pierce’s performance over the summer the best he’s seen from him.
In addition to that, Pierce has bulked up and worked on his release packages to help create separation.
The other obvious difference for the Colts’ passing game in this regard is having a quarterback with the arm talent that Richardson does, giving him the ability to find Pierce and put the ball where he can go and get it.
While the vertical presence may be what Pierce has best been known for up to this point in his career, he’s also worked hard this summer to showcase his versatility and that he can make an impact at all levels of the field.