Michael Pittman Jr. is ready to bring a new skill set to the Colts offense.
The Indianapolis Colts added an arsenal of offensive weapons in the 2020 NFL Draft when they grabbed Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor in the second round. These guys should be franchise cornerstones if everything pans out as expected. These guys are already getting reps with the first-team offense.
Both have been turning heads, but Pittman Jr.’s presence could elevate the Colts in way the offense hasn’t seen since Reggie Wayne was dominating opposing defensive backs.
Indy’s coaching staff has raved about Pittman Jr.’s size — he’s 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds — which gives him the ability to win one-on-one balls with defensive backs. When was the last time that kind of physicality was present in the Colts’ aerial attack?
Day 8 Colts camp observations:
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 26, 2020
- Michael Pittman's physicality
- Another big day for Trey Burton
- Rock Ya-Sin breaking up passes
- Danny Pinter versatility
- Rob Windsor
- Philip Rivers to Philip Rivers
- How Isaiah Rodgers makes up time https://t.co/Ka02irjjwh
"“The guy has really strong hands,” offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni told Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star. “He’s not dropping a lot of balls, and, obviously, he’s strong with the catch in traffic.”“We think Michael can be special in that. We want our receivers to do that, because it sets up the passing game.”"
TY Hilton has been the team’s No. 1 target for years, but he’s more of a speed/vertical threat than anything. A true possession receiver like Pittman can be targeted, for example, on jump balls or back-shoulder throws when the offense needs a first down on third and long or is facing a crucial goal-to-go situation.
Michael Pittman Jr. career at USC
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 20, 2020
254 Targets
5 Dropped passes pic.twitter.com/OjULsA3erv
Philip Rivers (and whoever succeeds him) will sure love targeting those sure hands on throws down field or outside the numbers. Think about a rushing attack with Marlon Mack and Taylor, the tight end duo of Jack Doyle and Trey Burton, and then the wide receiving corps of Hilton, Pittman Jr., Zach Pascal and projected slot target Parris Campbell Jr.?
The Colts are boasting all of the elements necessary for a dynamic offense, which is why fans should be excited about their potential in 2020 and beyond.
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