Michael Pittman Jr. didn’t have a big showing for the Indianapolis Colts against the Cowboys and that can’t happen since he’s the No. 1 wide receiver.
Sunday night’s game was a night to forget for the Indianapolis Colts. After entering the fourth quarter with a competitive score against the Dallas Cowboys, things quickly got out of hand and Indianapolis ended up being blown out. In addition to all of the on-field problems for Indy, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was nearly a nonfactor in the game. That is because he was facing off against an elite corner in Trevon Diggs.
Diggs broke out last season when he led the NFL with 11 interceptions. Despite not having as many splashy interceptions this season, Diggs is arguably having a better year as a cover corner. That was evident Sunday night when he shadowed Michael Pittman Jr. and essentially took him out of the game. According to Next Gen Stats, Diggs defended Pittman on 33 of his 40 routes. Of those 33 routes, Pittman was targeted just once and the pass wasn’t completed.
Pittman finished the game with two receptions for 16 yards but neither catch was against Diggs. While this is great news for Diggs and the Cowboys, it is concerning for Pittman and the Colts, because Pittman is Indy’s No. 1 receiver and he has to be prepared to rise up during these elite matchups.
Trevon Diggs shadowed Michael Pittman in Week 13, aligning across from him on 33 of 40 routes (83%).
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 5, 2022
Pittman was targeted just one time with Diggs as the nearest defender (0 receptions).#INDvsDAL | #DallasCowboys
Michael Pittman Jr. has to be more dominant for Colts
While Indianapolis has added a few young pass catchers who are emerging nicely, Pittman is still the top guy in Indy. He established that last season and has continued to prove it this year. But, with that title comes a lot of pressure and responsibility. Part of that responsibility is showing up in the biggest moments for the team. That means being a factor in games like the primetime matchup against the Cowboys.
Pittman’s emergence has demanded respect and that’s why Dallas had Diggs follow him. The next step in MPJ’s development as a No. 1 receiver is to not get dominated in these kinds of matchups. Diggs is a good player, so it’s understandable if he wins some reps against Pittman, but Pittman can’t allow him to win every single matchup in a game. That’s not what a No. 1 receiver does.
In order for the Colts to improve, and for Michael Pittman Jr. to really cement his status as a top No. 1 receiver, he has to show up in the biggest moments against elite competition.
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