There has been a lot of talk about the Indianapolis Colts adding a big-name wide receiver, but this team is underrated.
For the past two seasons, there has been a call for the Indianapolis Colts to sign a high-profile wide receiver. Now that the Colts have a future quarterback, the clamor is increasing, but there is no cause to fear just yet. Indianapolis has a young roster overall, but especially at wide receiver. In fact, none of their wide receivers are older than 28. However, youth is only beneficial if it is productive, and the Colts’ players possess just that.
The Indianapolis Colts wide receivers are better than most people assume, and three crucial players demonstrate why.
The Indianapolis Colts Have an Underrated Receiver Group
Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr. was undoubtedly the Indianapolis Colts’ top wide receiver. Coming off the best season of his career, he had 109 receptions for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. While his touchdown total was low, he produced exceptionally well for Gardner Minshew, the backup quarterback.
Pittman also became a security blanket for his quarterback and a reliable receiver down the stretch. Pittman will be a free agent in the offseason, so if the Colts bring him back, he will be a valuable addition to the wide receiver group and critical to Anthony Richardson’s development.
Alec Pierce
The Colts selected Alec Pierce in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, making him their first pick. Pierce’s results in year two were marginally lower, but given his skill, he should and could have produced more.
In 2023, he had only 32 receptions on 65 targets, for 514 yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged 16.1 yards per reception. What makes these stats so frustrating is that he is wasting his skills.Pierce is unquestionably a deep threat, but he was only targeted deep 19 times. It was unusual that a wide receiver with an average target distance of 14.9 did not get the ball more often down the field.
It should be noted that Pierce spent the most of the season playing with Minshew as his quarterback, and Minshew is not known for letting the ball air out. Richardson, on the other hand, has a cannon and has shown comfort with throwing deep. If the Colts offense can capitalize on Pierce’s explosive potential, wonderful things will happen. When you combine this with Richardson’s velocity, the sky is the limit.
Josh Downs
Josh Downs, a rookie wide receiver, was the Colts’ biggest offensive breakout player. Downs, who was primarily deployed in the slot, played an important role in this offense. He was constantly making plays whenever he had the ball in his hands.
Downs concluded the 2023 season with 68 receptions for 771 yards and two touchdowns, but it was his total efficiency that made him stand out.He was 10th in victory percentage vs man (47.2%) and won 57.6% vs zone. The Colts’ ability to have a slot receiver as prolific as Richardson will be critical to his development. It will also have a significant impact on the offense’s explosive capabilities.
The Indianapolis Colts have three talented wide receivers who can make plays and provide explosiveness to their attack. If they do not choose a big name this offseason, they will be content with production. They also have several depth pieces that can be used in plays. The Colts have offseason needs, but a top-tier wide receiver is not one of them.
