Michael Pittman Jr. is entering his third season in 2022, and with the addition of veteran and former All-Pro Matt Ryan, he could very well take another massive leap and cement himself as a true #1 wide receiver in the NFL. Having already established himself as the Colts’ number one, his potential is unlimited this upcoming season.
Pittman Jr. was not very effective his rookie campaign, totaling 40 receptions for just over 500 yards and a mere one touchdown on the season. Although he did not compare to any of the other big names receivers in his class, such as CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson, Pittman showed he belonged in the NFL and promised Colts fans a lot.
Pittman Jr. solidified himself as the potential WR1 for the Colts as a sophomore. He grabbed 88 receptions of 129 targets for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns. Pittman also added many impactful catches and highlights along the way, sprinkling in a couple of “mosses,” including his impressive touchdown catch vs. the Ravens in week five, making Anthony Averett look like a fool on the play. The second-year stud also caught a massive 28-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter against the 49ers in week seven, which put Indianapolis ahead and got them a vital win early in the season. Nonetheless, Pittman Jr. was a standout last season and is poised to get even better with a quarterback not named Carson Wentz.
Michael Pittman Jr. Anytime TD +210 ✅
The Colts (+290 ML) lead the Ravens 16-3 on Monday Night Football! #ForTheShoe
(Via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/zsVjeBfjOd
— TSN EDGE (@TSN_Edge) October 12, 2021
After an average first season, Pittman Jr. was elevated to WR1 for the Colts in the 2021 season, seeing an increase in target share from 14% to 25.7%. There is no reason his volume does not increase, which should allow him to take another step with Ryan now under the helm in Indy. Although they just drafted Alec Pierce, the Colts’ wide receiver room is still very weak. Other than Pierce, Indy has done nothing to address their wide receiver problem, having Parris Campbell and Ashton Dulin sitting behind Pittman Jr. on the depth chart at the moment. Nevertheless, this is Pittman Jr’s room, and I have no doubt he will increase his totals in all three major receiving statistics (catches, yards, and touchdowns).
Matt Ryan has always connected very well with his WR1, having produced exceptional seasons with Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley. The Colts’ soon-to-be third-year vet may not be on their level of skill, but with Ryan, Pittman Jr. has the potential to take a massive leap and become a superstar. Ryan’s number one receiver has never had less than 1,000 yards, and Pittman Jr. was able to accomplish that feat with a far less skilled quarterback last season.
Even if Indianapolis resigns long-time Colt T.Y Hilton or adds another wideout in free agency or via the draft, Pittman Jr. will keep his job as Ryan’s top guy. Assuming the two develop a tight bond, Ryan and Pittman Jr. have the potential to become a lethal QB-WR duo, and especially the best one in the AFC South, after A.J Brown departed from Tennessee. Michael Pittman Jr. is a name the NFL should start hearing a lot of this upcoming season. I think Indy’s top wideout will break out once again and put up an even more impressive season than the last.
Stat Predictions for Pittman Jr. in 2022-2023:
97 Catches
1307 Yards
9 Touchdowns
