In the shadow of Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr is shining

Michael Pittman Jr has emerged as a quality receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts have won six of their last eight games and have emerged as one of the best offenses in the NFL. Following the team’s Week 13 31-0 victory over the Houston Texans, the Colts now average 28.5 points a game, good for fifth-best in the league.

A lot of the offensive success is because of Jonathan Taylor. He has claimed the title of best running back in the NFL, is running away with the rushing title, and has become an MVP candidate. He is no doubt the engine of this offense, as he and the offensive line frequently play Indy to victory.

In the shadow of Taylor’s excellence is Michael Pittman Jr., putting together one of the best wide receiver seasons in recent Indianapolis history.

Following a Week 13 performance where Pittman caught six passes for 77 yards, he now has the 10th-most receiving yards in the NFL (prior to Stefon Diggs playing Monday night).

Michael Pittman Jr. quietly having a good year for Colts

In 13 games this season, Pittman has the 11th-most receptions with 67 and the 10th-most yards with 882. He also has added five receiving touchdowns. With stats, an argument can be made that Pittman is a borderline top-10 receiver.

Not many would have predicted that entering the season, not even in Indianapolis. Pittman had a productive rookie year in 2020, playing in 13 games and finishing with 40 receptions, 503 yards, and one touchdown, but he’s on pace to double his output.

Pittman’s emergence comes at the perfect time for the Colts, who have been sorely missing a top wide receiver the past few seasons. His 882 through 13 games are already the most by an Indianapolis receiver since T.Y. Hilton’s 1,000-yard season in 2018.

With four games left, Pittman is likely to clear 1,000. More importantly, he’s a reliable outside threat that the Colts can build around in the passing game. When defenses stack the box to contain Taylor, Pittman can make them pay by dominating single coverage.

Hopefully, this season is just the beginning of what Pittman has to offer. He has developed a clear connection on the field with Carson Wentz and they’ll have the opportunity to grow together in the coming years.

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