Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts come through in crucial overtime victories over the Tennessee Titans in a thrilling AFC South matchup.
huge guys ultimately make huge plays when the game is on the line.
On Sunday, two wide receiver plays were the key plays for the Indianapolis Colts. One has been criticised for having several quarterbacks over his career but never improving the offence. “Not a true WR1,” they declare. It appears that the other has been written off as a flop before his second campaign even ends.
But the Colts got their fourth consecutive win, a 31-28 walk-off triumph over the Tennessee Titans in overtime, thanks to key plays from Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. With the victory, the Colts improve to 7-5 and take sixth place in the AFC playoff standings.
The Colts and Titans game on Sunday turned into a tough contest between the division rivals. It came down to the wire at Nissan Stadium in a game that included seven total fumbles, four turnovers, a blocked punt returned for a score, and an interception returned for two points. However, the Colts successfully completed their last drive to score the touchdown.
The Colts had the ball and ran it right down the Titans’ throats during their previous meeting between these two clubs. Zack Moss rushed at Lucas Oil Stadium that October day for 165 yards and two touchdowns.
Moss was guaranteed not to have a second act by the Titans. Moss laboured for a meagre 2.7 yards per run while accumulating 19 hard-earned yards. Something else would have to be the source of the offence.
Pittman entered the picture, answering the Colts’ calls both frequently and early. The wide receiver was given plays by head coach Shane Steichen, and Gardner Minshew provided him with the ball. Pittman was able to fully immerse himself in the game on Sunday because to his 16 targets.
“I feel like it calms me down knowing that I’m going to get multiple opportunities,” Pittman said. “I’m not going to wait three quarters to receive another pass if one doesn’t go my way. I appreciate that I feel like they’re truly trying to find me.”
Pittman’s first down total increased along with the number of catches. Pittman was a constant in moving the Colts down the field and setting them up for long drives. Pittman had eight or more receptions for the sixth consecutive game with 11 grabs for 105 yards.
Pittman said, “It’s always good to come out and do it consistently.” It was another intense game last week. just showing up and pulling off those difficult receptions. I wish I could take back some of the hard catches I should have made today, but life happens. Football is that. They are also skilled players. I simply have very high expectations.”
Pittman is the Colts’ preferred receiver, and that much is obvious. He is, however, producing historic statistics for a squad that has witnessed greatness at wide receiver.
In his first four seasons, Pittman surpassed Colts Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison to set a franchise record for the most receptions by a player (311). In addition, he and Harrison are the only two Colts who have recorded 100 receiving yards and at least ten catches in back-to-back games. Although some did not think of this man as a WR1, the stats speak for themselves.
Pittman did not have the only standout performance among receivers. As Minshew finally turned to face him, Pierce joined in on the fun as well. He took full use of his two enormous possibilities.
On Indiana’s third offensive play of the game, Minshew delivered a long pass to Pierce that resulted in a 36-yard touchdown. Pierce’s touchdown was his first of the year. With 3:05 left in overtime, Minshew found his target deep for a 55-yard gain, setting up the Colts for first-and-goal at the Titans’ four-yard line. It was his last and third reception of the game. Major plays from Pierce.
With reference to Pierce, Pittman said, “I am so proud of him.” “He has worked so hard, and I am quite happy for him. Although he’s been written off by some, he’s doing everything correctly. I’m quite happy for him as it’s fantastic to see him succeed in such a significant game.”
This season, Pierce has come under fire for not producing as much as many had anticipated. Some outside observers are now doubting his future with the squad as a result of it. However, on days like Sunday, Pierce demonstrates his explosiveness when given the chance.
Regarding Pierce, Steichen remarked, “He keeps working, he keeps grinding.” “It might take some time every once in a while, but today was his opportunity and he made the most of it.”
Yet the work was not finished. To win, the Colts still needed a score and a field goal. Minshew turned to Michael Pittman Jr., who had been making the Titans pay all day.
Pittman said, “I saw them passing it off early.” “So I faked out and then I just went straight back, and then Gardner put up a perfect pass that I just had to catch.”
Minshew’s touchdown pass was made easier by Pittman’s manoeuvre to get open. In the end zone, the Colts around Pittman as they rejoiced in their well-earned victory—one that would not have been possible without players #11 and #14.
Regarding Pittman, Steichen remarked, “It’s unbelievable.” “Every time he ventures outside, he is reliable. I believe he had eleven-for-one hundred and something, but I’m not sure. Just finished two straight games with 100 receiving yards. His preparation, tenacity, and aggressiveness, together with his consistency in playing every week, make him exceptional.”
For a variety of reasons, Pittman and Pierce have drawn criticism from the outside. Actually, without Pittman and Pierce, the Colts do not win that game against the Titans. While Pierce is the deep danger who can always make an explosive play, Pittman offers the steady threat to move the chains.
These two make up a powerful wide receiving trio with enormous potential, along with Josh Downs, an outstanding rookie. It may get spooky since these three will be with Anthony Richardson for a long time.
Pittman and Pierce have faced criticism from the outside for a number of reasons. In actuality, the Colts lose that game against the Titans sans Pittman and Pierce. Pittman provides the consistent threat to move the chains, while Pierce is the deep threat who is always capable of making an explosive play.
Together with Josh Downs, a standout rookie, these two form a strong wide receiving trio with immense potential. Since these three will be with Anthony Richardson for a long time, things might get eerie.
