3 encouraging signs from Colts huge win over the Chiefs that shows Indy is improving

2. Indy’s top picks finally showed up

The Colts desperately needed to add pass-catching weapons this past offseason and Indy opted to go with rookies over acquiring veterans. Indianapolis selected wide receiver Alec Pierce with its first pick in the draft and followed that up by selecting tight end Jelani Woods with the teams’ second pick.

Through Indy’s first two games, it was looking like somewhat of a mistake that the team didn’t get any veteran insurance options as the young guys were struggling to show up. Alec Pierce had a brutal first game in Week 1 dropping a touchdown and then missing Week 2 with a concussion. Jelani Woods, on the other hand, only played 16 snaps through the first two games and didn’t record any stats.

Things started to turn around for both rookies on Sunday. Woods scored Indy’s only two touchdowns, finishing the game with two catches for 13 yards and two scores and Pierce finally registered a catch, including a massive contested grab that showed his big-play ability that Indy fell in love with. He finished the game with three catches for 61 yards.

If the Colts are going to stack more wins like the one against the Chiefs, they will need the rookie pass catchers to continue to show up.  Indy drafted these two to be difference makers and the circumstances are demanding that both Pierce and Woods grow up fast. That growth started on Sunday.