Colts receivers come alive with a dominant performance in joint practice with the Lions
In the first of two joint practices with the Detroit Lions, the receivers for the Indianapolis Colts had a much-needed dominant performance.
Since the shoulder pads have been put on for the Indianapolis Colts in training camp, the young receivers for Indy have been struggling. With Michael Pittman Jr. the only proven wideout, the rest of the guys have become victims to Indianapolis’ talented defense.
In the first appearance against another team, the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, the Colts’ wideouts still struggled. They weren’t able to get open in press coverage and struggled to make big catches. This increased the concern that everyone outside the building has already had for the wide receiver group.
Luckily, Indy’s receivers’ next chance to prove themselves would come fast. The Colts are hosting the Detroit Lions for joint practices ahead of their preseason game on Saturday and the fun got started on Wednesday. The biggest storyline from the first joint practice is that Indy’s receivers dominated.
Matt Ryan, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce. Continuing to impose their will on the Lions defense. Colts passing offense with easily one of their best practices of camp.
— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) August 17, 2022
Colts receivers look promising against the Lions
With fans and a ton of media members on hand, the theme of today’s practice was established early and held strong throughout. Matt Ryan and the receivers were locked in. Whether it was 1-on-1, 7-on-7, or full 11-on-11, Detroit didn’t have an answer for Indianapolis’ young receivers.
Michael Pittman Jr. was looking like the No. 1 receiver that he is and Alec Pierce performed like a top draft pick. They gave everyone a glimpse of the kind of duo they could be, especially with Matt Ryan getting them the ball. There was a report that at one point, Ryan had thrown three straight touchdowns.
It’s easy to brush this off as just a practice against the Lions, of all teams, and while that is the reality, this serves as a promising sign for Indy’s passing game. After struggling so much throughout camp, they needed a day like Wednesday to flash some kind of light that the Colts won’t be doomed if they try to pass in the regular season.
Obviously, the unit is still young and a work in progress, and fans won’t be able to exhale until Indy starts producing in the regular season, but this is a good step in the right direction to show that this unit has promise. Now, the Colts will have to do it again against the Lions in Thursday’s practice and keep building until the season arrives.
