Someone needs to rise to the occasion.
The receiving corp of the Indianapolis Colts has been less than stellar in recent memory. Michael Pittman Jr. has emerged as the number one, but even he struggled last year. Injuries hampered his production, but it was a major fall from his 2023 numbers. No one stepped up to fill the void in 2024, but the Colts desperately need a solid number two. There have been glimmers, but who will be the man to ultimately step up into the role and help vault the offense into the next level?
Alec Pierce was originally seen and tasked with the role. His skill set is unique and valuable as he is able to stretch the field and be the one true down the field threat. If the Colts need a chunk play of 40 plus, the money should be on Pierce as the target. Unfortunately, that has been more or less the extent of his ability. Moving the chains, making tough catches in traffic, and being the go to guy have been out of his reach. He needs to expand his repertoire if he is truly going to be a number two.
Adonai Mitchell and Josh Downs are the other options, and one clearly has the inside track. Downs has been a reliable target and a player who can consistently move the chains. Working primarily from the slot, seeing him as a number two, however, leaves something to be desired. As he continues to get reps and gain experience he should become more and more of a threat. Mitchell has to see improvement in 2025. Last year was a disaster and disappointment. All the buzz coming out of training camp was for naught as he struggled to create separation, catch the ball, and make plays. Is he ready to become the number two? Most likely not. Does he have plenty of room to improve and the potential to reach that level? Yes.
One could argue that Downs is a number two, but it isn’t a convincing enough case. The receiving group as a whole has a lot of work to do. The number one in Pittman needs to step up more fully and one of the others needs to take some of the pressure of the entire offense by being a more reliable target. They are a young group, but someone needs to rise to the occasion. Maybe Downs continues to make strides or perhaps Pierce or Mitchell step up in a big way.