NFL writer argues that fans don’t appreciate Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. enough
Michael Pittman Jr. is about to enter the most important season of his career. It’ll be his fourth year in the league, all with the Indianapolis Colts, and the final season of his rookie contract, meaning it’s a contract year. It’ll also be Pittman’s third season as Indy’s No. 1 receiver as he prepares to be a safety valve for a rookie quarterback, as the Colts try to turn their offense around.
Although Pittman has held his own as a team’s No. 1 wideout for two years, and recorded a 1000-yard season, there’s still a belief that he’s a bit under appreciated. Cody Benjamin, in a recent piece for CBS Sports, named the most under appreciated player for every AFC team. For the Colts, the chosen player was Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr. named most under-appreciated player for Colts
Benjamin expressed that Pittman probably gets the credit he deserves in Indianapolis from Colts fans, but questioned if Pittman receives that love on a wide scale. Benjamin went on to highlight how MPJ has been able to produce, despite unstable quarterback play.
"Do we take into account the fact he's experienced the Colts' infamous QB whirlwind firsthand? Even with Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz as his top arms the last two years, he's totaled 187 catches for 2,007 yards and 10 touchdowns, securing almost 70% of his targets. Get him a real counterpart and let him thrive."
- Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports)
The Colts are hoping they found that “real counterpart” in Anthony Richardson. After drafting Richardson with the fourth-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the dynamic quarterback is currently in a battle with Gardner Minshew for the QB1 spot. Eventually, the job will belong to Richardson, and it’ll be important for him to build a rapport with Pittman.
If the two can click instantly, and have a promising season in 2023, Pittman will be extended, the Colts will have a much more productive offense, and Michael Pittman Jr. will start to garner more love.