Colts' Michael Pittman Jr. Showing WR1 Ability Early in 2023
For so long, Indianapolis Colts fans have debated amongst each other about whether Michael Pittman Jr. is a No.1 receiver or not.
While the conversation is a lot more nuanced than that, it often ends with people looking at the stats and comparing them to someone else who’s a bonafide stud. Rarely do people ever take into consideration, scheme, player responsibilities within scheme, quarterback play, and a bunch of other things that all come into play when you’re evaluating someone.
However, this year, so far in the first two games, Pittman seems to be on a mission.
In the first two games, Pittman has 16 receptions, 153 yards, and a touchdown while averaging a hair under 10 yards per catch. He currently sits tied for fourth in the NFL with Tyreek Hill for receptions.
Pittman is the rare type of receiver that has versatility to be used in a variety of different ways. We saw him be a ball-winner, vertical contested catch type of guy with Carson Wentz a couple of years ago. With Philip Rivers, we saw him be a crosser guy that knives through the defense.
In Week 1, we saw Shane Steichen make it a priority for Anthony Richardson to find Pittman. Richardson threw him a WR screen that he took 39 yards for a touchdown.
Pittman has also shown the ability to be a possession receiver as well and a safety blanket for Richardson. On those 16 catches, he has exactly half of them (8) have gone for first downs.
Pittman is proving to be a real all-around threat at receiver. Take a look at Richardson’s second touchdown run against the Houston Texans. Pittman comes down and makes a beautiful block that ultimately springs that run for a touchdown.
Pittman is one of those guys who brings attitude and leadership to the Colts wide receiver room. He is just a pro’s pro and one of those guys you hate to play against but love to have on your team.
With so many Colts having great starts to the 2023 season, he’s one of the people I feel is flying under the radar. However, if he keeps playing like this, he is not only going to put the Colts' fan base on notice, but the entire NFL.
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