Colts: Michael Pittman Jr’s breakout game came at perfect time
By Jerry Trotta
Colts rookie WR Michael Pittman Jr.’s breakout game came at a perfect time.
We won’t go as far as to label the Indianapolis Colts’ impressive victory over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night a “must-win” game, but it was about as close as you can get to that designation. After all, a loss would’ve relegated them to the periphery of the AFC playoff picture, even in the potential expanded field.
Now, however, the Colts have a little bit of breathing room and sit atop the AFC South based on head-to-head record against Tennessee. What a time for Indy to deliver arguably its most complete performance of the season, right?
The defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed early, but ultimately pulled it together by posting a shutout in the second half. The offense, meanwhile, was all sorts of creative, spreading the ball around to its most dynamic playmakers (finally) and doing a reasonably solid job at establishing the run.
Outside of running back Nyheim Hines’ career night — he contributed 70 yards and a touchdown on 5.8 yards per attempt on the ground with five catches for 45 yards and a TD through the air — the story of the game for Indianapolis was no doubt rookie wideout Michael Pittman Jr.
https://twitter.com/PFF_Fantasy/status/1327099075662065670
Fans have been waiting for Pittman to break out for weeks following his return from foot surgery, and he showed up in a huge way for a shaky receiving corps. The 2020 second-round pick got open at will against Tennessee’s secondary, compiling seven receptions for 101 yards on eight targets. For those curious, all of those numbers are career-highs for the young receiver.
With TY Hilton enduring his worst season as a pro, and neither Marcus Johnson nor Zach Pascal pouncing on the opportunity to establish themselves as Philip Rivers’ favorite target, this performance leaves the door plenty ajar for Pittman to assume that role for the remainder of the season. Given how healthy he looked against the Titans, we’d bet on him to make it happen.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. crosses 100 receiving yards for the first time in his career.
— Andrew Walker (@AWalkerColts) November 13, 2020
Seven receptions for 101 yards; also has one rushing attempt for 21 yards.
Not only was he open and sure-handed, but the connection just felt effortless, time and again.
With dates against Green Bay, Tennessee (again), Las Vegas and Pittsburgh still remaining on the schedule, the Colts are going to have to be effective through the air. After Thursday night, fans are pretty much forced to think the coaching staff will make Pittman one of the focal points of the offense moving forward, especially with Rivers’ arm still a worry. No. 11 proved on Thursday that he can do work after the catch, as long as you get him in space.
It’s taken some time, but that’s probably what GM Chris Ballard envisioned for the USC product when he drafted him with his first pick last April.
