Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. nearly made the play of the game when he gave the team the lead with a 75-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, it was all for naught in the 39-38 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Before that spectacular play in which Pittman housed a slant to give the Colts the lead, the leading receiver was nowhere to be found. It was the second time this season he saw no more than five targets while recording two or fewer receptions.
Considering he didn’t get his first target until just past halfway through the second quarter, Pittman vented his frustrations to Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star.
“They just didn’t target me today, for whatever reason,” Pittman told Atkins after the loss. “Maybe I’m not a big part of the offense.”
Anyone who has watched the Colts play since Pittman entered the league in 2020 knows that’s not true. He’s had an incredible start to his career and has been a reliable leader both on and off the field.
But considering the fact that he took a slant 75 yards for a touchdown, it’s understandable he would be frustrated in a game where the offense put up season-highs in points and total yards but he was seldom used.
“When I do get the ball, I feel like I always do something with it. Just know that I’m viable to break off a big one in any situation vs. any team,” Pittman said. “I’m just trying to show the coaches that I’m out there, too.”
Pittman knows he’s a big part of the offense, but sometimes being a squeaky wheel can be a good thing. While oftentimes people will take it as selfishness, it stems from having an elite competitive drive and desire to win.
Even head coach Shane Steichen addressed Pittman’s comments when speaking to the media Monday.
“Well, I think Pittman Jr. is a huge part of this offense, and he’s the ultimate competitor. I think when really good players – they want the ball and they express their feelings sometimes,” Steichen told reporters. “That’s part of this league and we are going to do everything in our power to continue to get him the football moving forward.”
This offense is better when Pittman is heavily involved, and he should have been more involved during the Week 7 loss.
And while these comments have a bit of an edge to them, we should be taking them from the perspective of a proven player who knows he can impact the game at any moment.
