Michael Pittman Jr. is quickly establishing himself as a new dominant force in the NFL. Now he’s guiding his undefeated Indianapolis Colts as they get ready to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4’s biggest showdown. With his impressive receiving yards and receptions, Pittman is a key player for the Colts and a crucial component of quarterback Daniel Jones‘s strong performance this season.
Pittman’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2024, he met with his greatest defeat. His best-case scenario—sustaining only a low-back fracture—led him to later describe that year as one of his most difficult seasons spent on the gridiron. He toughed it out and made the choice to play on the partially torn hammy. His resilience and commitment to the team and its mission dazzled.
As the calendar turns from September to October and we enter the second half of the current season, Pittman’s performance has been impressive. He’s become a dependable option for Jones, especially on those tight-window, contested catches. His numbers, by his own accounting, have him down for just one drop over the last three weeks. As a result, the impressively high catch percentage of 84.2% for receivers with at least 10 targets.
Pittman’s first-down rate is an outstanding 57.9%. This ranks him on pace to get the highest percentage of his career to date. His ability to convert critical plays has contributed significantly to the Colts’ offensive success, making him an essential player as they maintain their undefeated record.
Pittman’s contributions extend beyond traditional receiving metrics. His downfield blocking, in particular, has been a surprising resurgent this season. This increase makes his presence even more unmistakable as the tone-setter of the Colts’ offense. His physicality and willingness to challenge defenders in the run game showcase his impressive all-around skill set.
It’s a toughness the Colts have leaned on heavily. His reliability has become even more critical given the instability at the receiver position since Pittman arrived on campus in 2020. Over the years, he has witnessed a parade of starters at his position but has consistently proven his worth on the field.
“One of the toughest guys I’ve been around.” – Shane Steichen
Other members of the coaching staff have told similar stories about Pittman’s influence. As Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter recently praised Pittman’s development, saying,
Cooter noted that Pittman’s contributions will likely go unrecognized, explaining,
“He’s running around playing good football right now, isn’t he?” – Jim Bob Cooter
Beyond the physical aspect, the biggest hurdle for Pittman himself has been mental. He was even open about this weakness in his game, admitting that
“I don’t know if it’s been celebrated enough.” – Jim Bob Cooter
His determination to overcome adversity is evident in his own words as he reflects on his recovery:
“It’s more of just a mental game.” – Michael Pittman Jr.
“I’m starting to feel like myself again.” – Michael Pittman Jr.
As the Colts prepare for their upcoming game against the Rams, Pittman’s health and performance will be critical. His ability to make big plays and serve as a dependable target for Jones could be pivotal in maintaining their winning streak.
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