The Indianapolis Colts have been waiting for rookie wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to have a breakout game, and he did so on the national stage in the 34-17 win Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans.
In what was a huge, bounce-back victory on a short week, the Colts needed some fire in the passing game. While Nyheim Hines took the hot hand in the backfield, Pittman Jr. showed off his explosiveness all game.
The second-round pick paced the Colts with seven receptions on eight targets for 101 yards. All of those were team highs on Thursday night. This is the second week in a row he has led the Colts in targets.
Pittman Jr. was drafted by the Colts to be an immediate impact player on the boundary. His size, speed and ball skills had the team raving about the USC product but an injury in Week 3 slowed down that progression.
Now, Pittman Jr. has strung together two solid weeks and finally had a breakout to show he can be the leader in the passing game.
Philip Rivers has proven he likes to spread the ball around but it is apparent the rookie is quickly gaining the trust of the veteran quarterback and if he continues to develop during the second half, it won’t be long until he’s the unquestioned WR1 in the offense.
