Colts' Michael Pittman Jr. Preaches 'Sense of Urgency' Moving Forward
One of six teams with a 7-6 record in the AFC, the Indianapolis Colts are in the thick of an incredibly tight playoff race.
The Colts did not do themselves any favors last week, embarrassingly falling to the Cincinnati Bengals. Self-inflicted wounds were the name of the game, as all phases could not seem to get out of their own way.
Indy was lucky that two of their division rivals fighting for playoff contention, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, lost on Sunday. However, they could not take advantage of the losses. Currently, the Colts sit as the seventh and final seed in the conference with four games remaining, leaving zero margin for error.
"There’s a sense of urgency with every game from here on out," wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. remarked on Tuesday. "Last game, we just didn’t get it done. We were fortunate that everybody except Tennessee lost in the AFC South. We’re kind of in the same spot, but we did miss an opportunity to gain ground.”
Pittman is a significant reason the Colts are even fighting for playoff contention in the first place. The season could have gone a much different way, considering the Colts have been without arguably their two biggest playmakers for much of the season.
Highly touted rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has been sidelined since Week 5 after spraining the AC joint in his throwing shoulder, requiring season-ending surgery. Running back Jonathan Taylor was beginning to get back to his Pro Bowl form after missing the first four weeks of the season, only to injure his thumb, leading to surgery.
Instead, it has been Pittman carrying the load for the offense. Week after week, Pittman has been the focal point of the offense, helping backup Gardner Minshew lead the team down the field. The consistency Pittman brings each week has given the Colts' offense a reliable option and potent weapon.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) runs in the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Tennessee Titans.
© Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
"Consistency is huge in this league," head coach Shane Steichen explained. "Those guys that show up and prepare the right way and what (Pittman) does every Sunday and now, obviously this Saturday. The consistency that he’s played with has been very impressive this year – he goes out and makes plays. When the ball is thrown his way, he makes a play. When we need a play, he makes a play. It’s been great to see what he’s doing this year and we’ve just got to continue that down the stretch.”
Pittman knows the role entrusted to him for this team. It does not need to be discussed throughout the week who the main target is. Pittman is second in the entire NFL in targets, with 138 this season.
But those targets do not come unless Pittman does his job. He has put considerable work in over the last few years to improve his route running and physicality at the catch point. Whether it's a few yards of separation or the defender is right there, Pittman is expected to make the grab.
“It kind of just happens," Pittman admitted. "It’s my role in the offense. It’s not anything that we talk about. We don’t go in there and say, ‘Hey Pitt, you’re going to have this many catches, this many targets.’ It just flows I guess.”
Because of his continued work to improve his game and his fit within Steichen's offense, Pittman is in the midst of a career season. After 13 games, he has racked up 95 catches for 984 yards and four touchdowns. Pittman needs just five more catches, 98 more yards, and three more touchdowns to set career highs in all categories. What's even more impressive is Pittman is putting up these numbers with a backup quarterback delivering the football to him.
But one thing that detractors still nitpick on is Pittman only has 10.4 yards per reception, tied for 92nd in the NFL. But if you ask Steichen, he quickly brushes that away. Pittman is doing exactly what is asked of him and more.
"The contested catches that he’s made this year are huge," Steichen said. "There’s little ones that people might not think of much. The first play against Tennessee in overtime, he had a linebacker around him and he caught that little hitch route inside for eight yards. That was a huge play in the game, that got us going. Just little things like that make a big difference and he’s been doing it all year for us.”
Another reason is Minshew's preference to get the ball out quickly to his receivers, making big plays down the field less likely. Regardless, defenses know that Pittman is the top option for this team and are keying in on the wide receiver, hoping he does not take over the game.
Steichen has had to think of different ways to line up Pittman throughout the formation to combat the extra attention. Pittman has also relied on his receivers coach, Reggie Wayne, who has been in Pittman's exact position before. But Pittman likes the challenge, and it is something he asked for by becoming the go-to target for this offense.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) celebrates his receiving touchdown in the second half against the Cleveland Browns.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
"It definitely makes it fun," Pittman revealed with a smile. "We get creative and move me around. I have to be aware of that safety that’s playing low because I know he’s there. Just have to play around that guy.”
Pittman will continue to be extremely important for the Colts' success down the stretch. Starting this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Colts have four crucial games remaining to solidify their playoff standing. Last year against the Steelers, Pittman hauled in seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.
He will likely need to produce more than he did a year ago against this team for the Indy to come out on top. The Colts will also need Pittman's leadership to shine through, a role he has grown comfortable with this season. The competitive nature he brings is infectious to his teammates.
"He’s a great competitor," Steichen commented, complimenting his receiver. "All of the great competitors that I’ve been around – they do a great job in practice, they do a great job in the meeting room and then the consistency like we were just talking about, it shows up on Sunday and that’s what he’s been doing for us.”
The Colts still have everything to play for as we hit the stretch run. They control their own destiny, and the team knows what's at stake. So, what does Pittman see when he looks at the current playoff standings?
"I see that there’s potential and we just have to win games.”
If the Colts win their remaining games, Pittman will likely be a major reason why. Get into the big dance, and the Colts' Cinderella story may just be getting started.
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