Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr. Broke Major Franchise Record In Week 13

Kenneth Teape

December 4, 2023

Not much was expected of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 season as they were a franchise in transition. Last season they fired head coach Frank Reich and hired Jeff Saturday, who had never coached above the high school level, on an interim basis.

Shane Steichen took over as head coach in the offseason and the team paired him with a rookie quarterback in Anthony Richardson. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5, which many people thought would derail the season.

But, they have thrived in his absence. The Colts are 7-5 after their overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 13. A big reason for their success in the game, and throughout the season, has been the performance of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

He was dominant against the Titans, catching 11 passes for 105 yards. Pittman also hauled in the game-winning touchdown pass from Gardner Minshew in overtime. According to Colts insider Mike Chappell, that performance put Pittman in some rarified air when it comes to franchise production.

NFL News & Rumors: Michael Pittman Jr., Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts Updates

He is the only Colts receiver to record back-to-back 10+ receptions, and 100+ yard games other than Marvin Harrison. Pittman also surpassed Harrison for most receptions by a Colts receiver in their first four seasons, as he has 314 and counting after Sunday. The five straight games with 8+ receptions is also the second longest in franchise history.

Colts Michael Pittman Jr.
*passed Marvin Harrison for most receptions by Colt in first 4 seasons (311).
*joined Marv as only Colts with 10+ receptions, 100+ yards in consecutive games
*8+ receptions in 5 straight games, tied for second-longest streak in club history
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 4, 2023

Set to hit free agency in 2024, Pittman is setting himself up for a massive payday this upcoming offseason. The Colts will certainly try and retain him, as he is proving to be a more than capable No. 1 option for the team to rely on in the passing game.

But, he will assuredly have other suitors as one of the better players hitting the market. On the season, Pittman has caught 87 passes for 889 yards and four touchdowns. He is trending toward the best season of his young career as his price tag is increasing with each passing game.

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