INDIANAPOLIS – The next step on Michael Pittman Jr.’s career arc required earning the respect of his teammates and embracing a stronger leadership role in the receivers room.
That was realized in late August when his peers selected Pittman as one of the Indianapolis Colts’ captains.
A maturation process that’s in its fifth season with the Colts also involves dealing with stretches when things aren’t thriving on a personal level.
“He earned it,’’ position coach Reggie Wayne said Thursday, “and it’s well-deserved. I’ve seen a change.
“I do believe the ‘C’ on the chest means a lot to Pitt.’’
Like now.
His bottom line heading into Sunday’s meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium: 11 receptions, 88 yards, zero touchdowns on a team-high 20 targets. He’s had at least 88 yards in a game 11 times.
Six months after gaining generational financial security with a three-year, $70 million extension that included $46 million in guarantees, Pittman is dealing with the quietest three-game start and stretch since his rookie season in 2020.
That’s the least productive start to a season since his first three games as a rookie when he managed nine catches for 73 yards.
And it’s Pittman’s worst three-game stretch since the end of ’20 when he had seven for 85 yards.
This from the Colts’ unquestioned go-to wideout whose 109 catches and 1,152 yards last season were career bests.
“I don’t worry about Pitt,’’ Wayne said. “Now, if you’d have asked me that two years ago, then I’ll probably say, ‘Yeah.’ And it’s not because he’s gotten paid.
“Pitt wants to be the guy no matter what.’’
Wayne is as direct as anyone when it comes to assessing and interacting with his room. The long-time Colts’ standout doesn’t have the time or inclination to massage egos.
He was asked how a younger Pittman might have reacted to this type of start? The 11 receptions are tied for 50th in the league. The 88 yards rank 90th.
“I think he would have been, as they say, bitchy,’’ Wayne said with a smile.
Pittman, 26, hasn’t been that squeaky wheel, even though he admitted he’s no different than any other top-tier receiver.
“Yeah, you have to fight it because if that gets to you, then you start playing bad. You start doing too much,’’ he said. “You’ve gotta fight that off and just know that it is a team sport.
“As long as we win games, it’s good. You have to put (the frustrations) aside.’’
“Obviously, we want to do more. Me, I want to do a lot more. But you have to do what you’re asked to do and just be a good teammate.’’
Pittman’s reaction to Wayne’s comment he might not have handled this type of three-game stretch as calmly two years ago?
“I think I’ve come a long way,’’ he said. “We’re just being patient. We are committed to getting better each day and opportunities are going to come. When they do, we have to make the most of them.’’
And that’s the real crux of the issue: There aren’t enough opportunities for any of the Colts’ skill players.
The only exception has been Jonathan Taylor, who’s coming off consecutive 100-yard rushing games for the first time since he led the NFL in rushing in 2021. His 261 yards rank No. 7.
A lack of efficiency, most notably Anthony Richardson’s lack of accuracy, has resulted shorter possessions and fewer plays. The Colts rank last in the NFL in time of possession – 21:36, 3 minutes fewer than No. 31 Atlanta – and the offense has snapped a league-low 152 plays.
Richardson is completing 49.3% of his passes, worst in the league, and his 36 completions are fewest among starters. His 73 attempts are tied-fourth-fewest.
The Colts rank No. 26 in third-down efficiency (32.3%) and have converted just 5-of-21 the past two weeks. Richardson has been lacking when it comes to moving the chains. His 57.8 rating on third down ranks 25th.
Pittman has noticed the offense’s inefficiencies and commitment to following the lead of Taylor and the run game. Last season, the Colts averaged 64 plays per game. Through three games, it’s 50.7.
“I think Travis Kelce said is the best,’’ Pittman said of the Kansas City Chiefs’ standout tight end. “You have to be unselfish with the type of team we are right now. Just knowing we’re going to do what is going to win us games and we’re going to do whatever that is.
“Some games it could be a passing attack. Some games it could be a run attack. Man, it’s all about winning the game. As long as we’re winning games, you kind of put your head down and just keep going.’’
While Pittman figures to remain a focal point of whatever goes on with the offense – good and bad – he’s just one face in Wayne’s complicated.
Alec Pierce is silencing critics with a torrid start. The 2022 second-round pick is averaging a ridiculous 25.0 yards on nine catches. His 225 yards rank 10th in the league.
“Randy Moss numbers,’’ Pittman said with a laugh.
Rookie AD Mitchell saw his reps slashed from 33 at Green Bay in week 2 to seven against the Bears with the return of Josh Downs. As long as Downs, Pittman and Pierce stay on the field, that isn’t likely to change.
“AD will be all right,’’ Wayne said. “Shoot, he’s a rookie. Rookie’s gotta get in the back of the line. His time will come.’’
It’s clear Wayne’s responsibilities in his third year on the coaching staff extend well past the practice field.
“I’m part receivers coach, part counselor, part psychiatrist,’’ he said. “I go into every week like my old offensive coordinator Tom Moore used to say. Every Monday, somebody’s going to have their lip poked out.’’
Every week, someone’s going to be in pout mode because of a lack of opportunities.
“Everybody’s not going to be able to be the guy,’’ Wayne said. “But you just keep telling the guys, ‘Your time’s coming. When it comes, you’ve just got to be ready.’’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.