As far as the stat sheet goes, it’s been a relatively quiet first two games for Colts’ wide receiver Michael Pittman. However, is a breakout game on the horizon? ESPN seems to think so.
Pittman has been targeted heavily, with 14 of Anthony Richardson’s passes going his way, but he’s caught only seven of those throws for 52 yards–or an average of 7.4 yards per catch–with no touchdowns.
But even so, ESPN’s Seth Walder highlighted some underlying numbers that show a big game could be incoming for Pittman.
Walder notes that Pittman’s target rate of 33 percent is the fifth-most among receivers–so the opportunities are there–and the 13.6 air yards per target is a big jump compared to the 7.6 air yards per target he had in 2023.
Walder says that both of these metrics are indicators that Pittman’s production “should explode.”
Could that big game be this Sunday against Chicago?
The Bears’ Jaylon Johnson can certainly provide a difficult matchup. In two games, Johnson has allowed only three receptions on eight targets, with an interception and two pass breakups, according to PFF.
However, Walder goes on to point out that Johnson hasn’t followed any receivers in the first two games, so the opportunity for Pittman to line up on Tyrique Stevenson does exist.
Stevenson has allowed only 10 reception on 19 targets overall, and does have an interception and a pair of pass breakups, but on completions, he is surrendering almost 14.0 yards per catch. The Texans’ CJ Stroud was 7-for-10 when throwing at Stevenson last week.
Pittman is currently listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with a back/calf injury–although Shane Steichen did seem optimistic about Pittman being able to play.
A big game from Pittman would go a long way in helping out Anthony Richardson and providing some needed stability to the Colts short and intermediate passing games. Through two weeks, it’s either been boom or bust for the Colts’ offense, who have struggled to sustain drives.
