The Indianapolis Colts haven’t had a bonafide WR1 to lead the offense this season, but the recent emergence of rookie Michael Pittman Jr. shows that could be coming to an end soon.
As quarterback Philip Rivers spreads the ball around, Pittman Jr. has been the Colts’ best wide receiver since coming out of the bye week. The rookie missed some time due to a leg injury and is now showing why Indy drafted him in the second round back in April.
Pittman Jr. attributes his recent success to being healthy but also simply being more comfortable and confident in his game.
“Yeah, I think that is part of it, is that I actually know what I’m doing and I have confidence in what I’m doing,” Pittman Jr. told reporters Tuesday. “When we first started, I wasn’t really reading defenses and I wasn’t sure of my routes or assignments, but now I feel more sure of myself.”
Over the last three games, the USC product leads the Colts in targets (18), receptions (14), receiving yards (223), touchdowns (1) and target share (16%).
What has been most interesting about his development has been the work he does after the catch. We know Pittman Jr. has the size to be a boundary receiver and the skills to high-point the ball on contested catches.
But the rookie is showing off some impressive speed and vision with the ball in his hands. Tapping into his former days as a running back while also being the son of a former NFL running back has helped him make some big plays after the catch.
“I did. I actually played running back until my sophomore year of high school,” Pittman Jr. said. “Yeah, I think it does. I mean I felt like I always had decent spatial awareness so I think it does.”
The Colts’ passing attack has been strong this season and much of it has been without the rookie. But now, he’s beginning to come into his own as he understands the game around him, which means a big stretch could be coming for the second-round pick.
If he catches fire, the Colts can be sure they have a new WR1 in the offense.
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