With Joe Flacco in at quarterback for much of the game on Sunday, Indianapolis Colts second year wide receiver Josh Downs provided a go-to option in the passing game.
Downs finished the game with nine targets, which was the most on the team. As he often is, Downs was efficient, hauling in eight of those passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Among all wide receivers in Week 4, Downs ranked 10th in total yards after the catch (YAC) and was sixth in yards per route run–a pass-catching efficiency metric from Pro Football Focus. Out of all receivers from the slot specifically, Downs was one of the most productive.
Downs didn’t have the explosive pass plays like Michael Pittman did, how finished the game with 113 yards, including two receptions 28 yards and 32 yards, but Downs did provide some much-needed stability on short-area throws to the Colts offense.
This was a part of the passing game that the offense has struggled in to start the season. With a very boom-or-bust approach for the Colts’ passing game, it’s been difficult through three games to sustain drives, resulting in a massive discrepancy when it comes to how many plays the Colts offense ran compared to their opponent.
While explosive plays are great, relying solely on those downfield throws to be your main source of offense is a tough way to live in the NFL.
Downs is coming off of what GM Chris Ballard believed was a very under-the-radar rookie season. Prior to his ankle injury during training camp, he appeared poised to make that Year 2 jump so many successful NFL players make, having been a favorite target of Anthony Richardson’s in practices.
With Jonathan Taylor in the run game, Richardson’s ability to generate big passing plays, and the stability Downs can provide on the short to intermediate throws, the recipe for success on offense for the Colts certainly exists.