By Anthony Licciardi
The Indianapolis Colts won’t go as far as Jonathan Taylor takes them.
He’s an incredible talent and one of the best running backs in the sport. However, as Indianapolis saw last year, Taylor’s presence only means so much if Carson Wentz is your starting quarterback.
The Colts addressed this issue by bringing in former MVP, Matt Ryan. In pairing Ryan with their No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman Jr., they’ll look to have a more intimidating passing offense that doesn’t…completely fall apart against the Jacksonville Jaguars with the playoffs on the line.
How has Pittman’s situation changed?
Obviously, having an upgrade at football’s most important position is beneficial. Pittman, though, is well positioned to parlay the acquisition into an increase in production.
Ryan is far more accurate than the talented, but erratic, Wentz. For a receiver that thrives even without quality quarterbacking, an uptick in accurate throws will lead to more opportunities and, hopefully, production.
“Opportunities” is the magic word. Asking nicely only goes so far when trying to land a second consecutive 1,000 yard season.
After hauling in 88 receptions for 1,082 yards and six scores, Pittman is primed for another big year.
Why? Ryan loves his No. 1 receivers. Sure, it’s easy when Julio Jones is the one getting the looks, but the trend doesn’t stop there. Last year, when Atlanta’s receiving depth was as barren as a Washington Commanders’ home game, Russell Gage saw a 25.6% target share. That mark ranked 15th among wide receivers.
One spot above him, at 25.9%, was Pittman (who also received 31.9% of the team’s air yards). He’s got the talent to command targets at a high rate and a quarterback willing and able to capitalize on those numbers. Don’t be surprised if the third-year pro breaks into the top 10 in target share in 2022.
A bigger year from Pittman would be a sign that the Colts’ passing offense is healthy. That’ll need to be the case come January if Indianapolis is to compete with the Murderer’s Row of quarterbacks the AFC has to offer.
Currently, DraftKings is offering -115 odds on Pittman to surpass 1,025.5 receiving yards, meaning a big year could win you $86.95. With an upgrade at quarterback, building upon his 2021 season seems to be in the cards. He wouldn’t even need to do that to hit this prop.
In freeing Ryan from those ugly ducklings in Atlanta, the Colts have freed themselves from the shackles of Wentz. It’s time to put that upgrade to the test.