While the Indianapolis Colts offense has struggled as a whole, one playmaker who hasn’t is emerging 2nd-year wideout Donte Moncrief.
The 22 year old has scored a touchdown in both of the Colts two games and has 2 of the team’s 3 total touchdowns overall.
Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief (10) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. New York Jets defeat the Indianapolis Colts 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
On the season, Moncrief already has 13 receptions for 168 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in what could be the beginning of a breakout campaign.
Following an offseason where Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett made the majority of the team’s wide receiver headlines, Moncrief has quietly, perhaps inexplicably slipped under the radar.
That is, until on Monday Night football, when a national audience got to see firsthand what the super talented Moncrief could actually do:
Still getting pelted with questions about Donte Moncrief. Listen people, what else do you need to see? Seriously? Must he climb Everest too?
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) September 23, 2015
Some of the routes that Donte Moncrief ran in this Jets game are simply masterful. I couldn't be more amped about his future.
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) September 23, 2015
The night national TV learned who Donte Moncrief is.
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) September 22, 2015
Such mainstream media personnel weren’t alone in their assessment, as his head coach Chuck Pagano has also been impressed with his young wide receiver’s performance this season:
"“Playing with more confidence,” said Pagano on Wednesday. “Another year in the system. Playing fast. We got to see a good glimpse of that last week.”"
"“He practices extremely fast,” added Pagano. “I think as he continues to make plays, the confidence is going to continue to grow and grow. He’s a dynamic guy. He’s a big, long, athletic guy that can do a lot of things. Underneath, catch-and-run stuff, and over-the-top as well.”"
Of course, his “dynamic” ability was on full display when Moncrief showcased his speed and athleticism on this 26-yard touchdown pass reception from Andrew Luck early in the 4th quarter:
It took 3+ quarters but you knew Andrew Luck was gonna find the end zone.
— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2015
Donte Moncrief for SIX #NYJvsIND http://t.co/jnrhy665GJ
Next: No Feud Between Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano. Just Football.
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