Jonathan Taylor is arguably the best all-around running back in the NFL. Everything the Indianapolis Colts do on offense is predicated on the former Wisconsin back’s skillset. He makes life easier for QB Matt Ryan and WR Michael Pittman.
The Colts priorities on offense is as follows:
- Establish Taylor
- Establish Taylor
- Establish Taylor
One of the subtle ways the Colts do that is to pose enough of a downfield passing threat to keep defenses from gearing up to stop the NFL’s 2021 rushing champ. That’s where Pittman comes in.
The third year wideout from USC is without a doubt Indy’s best target and one of the better young receivers in the NFL. When teams load up on Taylor, Pittman, who had six touchdowns last season, makes them pay.
Which begs the question, “Without Pittman, which Indy wideout is going to step up Sunday against the Jaguars?”
The 6-foot-4, 233-pound wideout has been ruled out with a quad injury. Pittman suffered the injury Wednesday in practice. Coach Frank Reich initially said he thought his star wideout would be fine. Now Indy’s passing game is in a pickle.
Indy already is also without rookie Alec Pierce, who suffered a concussion in the opener.
The rest of the Colts receiving corps shouldn’t keep Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell up all night.
Parris Campbell has shown flashes throughout his career. But the bottom line is the Colts don’t have a receiver – or a group of receivers – who can fill the void left by Pittman’s loss. In fact, the Colts might have the thinnest receiving room in the NFL.
The play who might be the beneficiary of Pittman’s absence is tight end Mo Alie-Cox, the former VCU tight end. The 6-foot-5, 267-pound Alie-Cox gives Ryan a huge target over the middle. Cox was targeted just twice last week in the team’s season-opening 20-20 tie at the Houston Texans.
Without Pittman and Pierce, Campbell is the only proven wideout. His over/under receiving yardage is 44.5 at BetMGM. We’re taking the Over. Oh yes, we are.