Colts' Michael Pittman Jr. Clears the Air on Post-Game Comments
Like many Indianapolis Colts players on Sunday, Michael Pittman Jr. was upset.
The loss to the Cleveland Browns was a hard pill to swallow. Losing the game with 15 seconds remaining after two blown calls would be hard for anyone to handle.
If you have watched this team the past four seasons, you know Pittman is a fierce competitor. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and gives it his all every time he steps on the field. But that also means he takes losing extremely hard, always believing there is something else he could have done to help his team get the victory.
Shortly after last Sunday's loss, Pittman spoke with Nate Atkins of the IndyStar. The heat of the moment caused Pittman to say some things that would raise a few eyebrows.
"They just didn’t target me today, for whatever reason," Pittman stated after the game. "Maybe I’m not a big part of the offense.”
Pittman's frustration was obvious. The Colts' WR1 had just two catches for 83 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown that gave Indy the lead midway through the fourth quarter. But Pittman was only targeted five times the entire game, and he felt he could have done more if given the chance.
"When I do get the ball, I feel like I always do something with it," he remarked. "Just know that I'm viable to break off a big one in any situation vs. any team. I'm just trying to show the coaches that I'm out there, too."
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) sits on the bench Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium.
© Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports
When asked about the comments on Monday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen backed up what his top wide receiver had said. He recognized Pittman was frustrated with how the game ended and ensured that #11 would be a big part of the offense the rest of the way.
"I think (Michael) Pittman Jr. is a huge part of this offense, and he’s the ultimate competitor," Steichen said. "I think when really good players – they want the ball and they express their feelings sometimes. That’s part of this league and we are going to do everything in our power to continue to get him the football moving forward.”
The comments still ruffled some feathers within the media and amongst fans. Some saw a wide receiver, who leads the team in targets this season, complaining because he wanted better stats. Others attributed it to the fact Pittman is in a contract year and wants to maximize his opportunities to get the biggest payday possible.
Pittman saw the comments and how the story had taken on a mind of its own. Instead of firing back or ignoring what was being said, Pittman wanted to clear the air and squash any drama that had come from his comments. He is not a diva and wanted to clean things up.
"I kind of wanted to come in here and kind of clear that up," Pittman started on Wednesday. "Obviously, it was a very frustrating loss, the way that it happened. I’ve never been a good loser. I’m actually a very poor sport. It’s something I’ve been working on like my whole life, and it’s just hard for me sometimes. When you lose, sometimes you lose your composure, lose your head. I think that I was a little dramatic when I said that."
Professional athletes are not robots. They have emotions too, and losses sting them more than it does the fans. Pittman's emotions got the best of him, and he was blowing off steam. He knows where he stands in this offense and how much Steichen and the rest of the Colts value him.
"Obviously, I am a big part of this offense," Pittman admitted. "Like, I lead the team in targets and stuff like that. It was out of frustration and I just wanted to clear up that I love playing here, that I love Indy and everything that we do here. I’m excited for this week coming up."
Through seven games, Pittman has 42 catches (12th in the NFL) for 489 yards and two touchdowns. The fourth-year player out of USC is currently on pace for career highs in catches and yards. He has been the go-to receiver for Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew this season.
As the season has progressed, a couple of other wide receivers have stepped up for the Colts. Rookie Josh Downs looks like a future star in the NFL. After a slow start to the season, Alec Pierce has become more involved in the passing game. Pittman does not see this as a bad thing and is happy to see his teammates succeeding.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) celebrates his receiving touchdown in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
"Sometimes games don’t go the way that you think because they’ve got good players too and I’ve got good teammates who obviously are doing very well," Pittman explained. "I mean, Josh Downs is really putting on for us. Alec (Pierce) was very explosive the last game, and we’ve got lots of guys around here that can make lots of plays."
Since Pittman was drafted in 2020, the league-wide consensus has been that the Colts do not have a very talented receiver room. But as Downs and Pierce continue to make plays, the group is making a name for themselves. Pittman no longer has to carry the load by himself.
"I’m so pumped up for guys like that because I feel like we’re really starting to get some respect as a room because in the past I’ve felt like we were underrated and people didn’t really talk about us when they were talking about duos and wideout groups. I feel like now we’re starting to get that way with Josh and AP. I think they are doing a great job.”
As the Colts look forward to the New Orleans Saints this week, there is no drama between Pittman and the Colts. Now that everything has been cleared up, the focus will strictly be on getting the victory.
Knowing Pittman, do not be surprised if that raging fire inside of him manifests into a big-time performance on Sunday.
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