Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Josh Downs looks more than ready to begin his second NFL season.
#Colts WR Josh Downs getting some offseason work in — with a cameo from QB Anthony Richardson. Here’s your reminder that Downs set the Colts’ single-season rookie record with 68 catches last year. Turned them into 771 yards and two TDs. —> https://t.co/eSpIcRtz3R
🎥 via JD’s IG pic.twitter.com/QkrFwd4I4K
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 20, 2024
As James Boyd notes, you also see Anthony Richardson in Downs’ Instagram post. At the end of offseason programs, Richardson discussed the plans that he and the receivers were making to get together during the time off for what he called a “second minicamp” to get everyone prepared for training camp.
Downs is coming off an impressive rookie season and appears poised to make that developmental Year 2 leap that most successful players make.
Downs was a very reliable target from the slot in 2023, catching 72 percent of his targets for 771 yards and two touchdowns. Among all receivers, Downs had the seventh-most yards from the slot.
On the Colts, Downs’ 771 yards were the second-most on the team. He also led the offense in missed tackles and average YAC per reception. Downs finished the season with 30 first downs and 10 receptions of 20-plus yards as well.
“I mentioned this a whole bunch about Josh – the feel he has for the game growing up in a football background being around it, the way he prepares week in and week out is huge,” Shane Steichen said during the season.
“You see the growth, you see the steps that he makes week in and week out. … He continues to make big-time plays in big-time situations for us. If we can continue that, he’s going to have a really bright future.”
Oftentimes it is in a player’s second season where we see the biggest jump made. A few contributing factors to that are the experience that the player has gained over the last year, along with the continuity of being in the same system, and having a full offseason to work on their craft, rather than preparing for the NFL draft.
Early signs point to Downs ready to take that next step. During offseason programs, Jake Arthur of Horseshoe Huddle noted that in one practice in particular, Downs caught “double-digit” balls and had really good chemistry with Richardson.
“I’d say the biggest difference is a year under my belt,” said Downs about being in Year 2. “More comfortable with the coaches, all the players, and just the whole environment. So more so just trying to own my role and taking to that.”
Colts’ veterans and rookies will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th,
Josh Downs is going to be a problem this year 👀 pic.twitter.com/HawT68AH4y
— Cody Felger (@CPFelger55) July 16, 2024
