Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. enjoyed a true breakout campaign during the 2021 season and now is looking to command even more respect as he enters his third campaign.
The former second-round pick led the Colts offense with 88 receptions for 1,082 receiving yards and six touchdowns while commanding a 25.7% target share.
With Matt Ryan now at the helm, Pittman Jr. wants to take his game to the next tier of wide receivers and prove he can be in the conversation with the solidified playmakers of the NFL.
“Everybody has their own definition,” Pittman Jr. said via IndyStar. “I think I am that (No. 1 receiver). I’ve just got to go ahead and prove that to other people, with whatever they think it is, whether it’s yards, touchdowns, whatever. I’m just trying to make that next jump.”
The room will be Pittman Jr.’s to lead. Though Ashton Dulin and Parris Campbell are technically the longest-tenured wide receivers on the roster, everyone will be following Pittman Jr.’s lead.
At just 24 years old, Pittman Jr. is set for another strong campaign. With Ryan under center, we may even expect him to be more consistent than he was during the second half of the 2021 season.
“I’m just trying to take the next step,” Pittman Jr. said. “Last year, I said that I was going to double every single category, and I did that. This year, I’m trying to build on that and become that definite Receiver No. 1 that everybody talks about.”
The addition of rookie Alec Pierce should help Pittman Jr. more than it hurts. The coverage will continue to roll the latter’s way, of course, but having the extra threats of Pierce and Campbell should help him see more 1-on-1 matchups.
His attention to detail and improving the nuance of his route running has been the focus of the offseason.
“Top of route stuff, working on route discipline, because sometimes you go out there and you just start playing football,” Pittman Jr. said. “And yes, I like to make…
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