The Colts star is capable of far more than he has shown this season.
Michael Pittman Jr. is in his fifth year with the Indianapolis Colts, and in 2024, he has failed to produce and is hoping for a breakout game to cap off the season. This is not to argue Pittman has been washed up or is no longer an effective playmaker. Pittman’s numbers have dropped, especially when his young quarterback needs him the most.
There are several variables that contribute to this reduction. Pittman is collecting passes from an untested quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Richardson has only completed 47.7% of his passes after 11 starts. When a quarterback struggles with accuracy, the receivers’ numbers inevitably suffer. Additionally, Pittman is the Colts’ top receiver, so opponents have been double-teaming him, forcing Richardson to seek elsewhere. The basic line is that Michael Pittman Jr. is having the worst season of his career, and with two games remaining, he is due for a breakout performance.
Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. Needs Breakout Game After Big Payday
He Is Under Contract
Before the season began, Pittman signed a three-year, $70 million contract deal, with $46 million guaranteed. It was after this contract that expectations were raised, and deservedly so. Prior to this season, Pittman had averaged 1053 yards a season over the previous three years. He also caught 69% of the passes thrown to him during that time. Needless to say, Pittman earned the money he received throughout the offseason. However, this money almost certainly came with expectations for future production.
The unpleasant thing is that he has not lived up to the money by 2024. Pittman’s productivity is at an all-time low. Again, having Anthony Richardson as your quarterback will result in a drop in performance. However, the Colts did not anticipate this type of setback from their top receiver. Pittman will have an excellent opportunity to face failing defenses in the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars. Pittman needs a breakout game to prove his worth to the Colts, and he is running out of time.
He Is Not Considered a Top-Rated Wide Receiver
That being said, the contract extension was justified based on his previous performance. However, big money comes with great expectations, and Pittman has failed to meet them. His ability has not lessened, and he has made some critical receptions for the squad. However, he is still not a top wide receiver. Pittman undoubtedly has the potential and characteristics to be one, but the parts aren’t falling together this year. A breakout game has the potential to change the conversation about Pittman’s production. He has only had one game with 100 or more yards and will need to do so again in the following two games.
