The Colts receivers must improve to take the offense to the next level

There needs to be more production from this group if the Colts are going to succeed.

The Indianapolis Colts are rolling into 2025 with the same receiving corp from last year, but the expectation shouldn’t be a simple roll over of results. That group ranked 22nd overall. That isn’t going to cut it if this team wants to have any success. To be a good to great team this season, that group has to be better. It starts with each man, but the question is, who exactly is going to step up and make a difference to elevate this offensive unit as a whole?

Michael Pittman Jr. is the number one guy on the Colts. He got his new contract, but last year was disappointing. He fought though injuries, so credit is due for that. This is not a question of his toughness or commitment to the team. This is simply a question of whether he can be better. Perhaps the injury is the key. It seemed to linger and without it, Pittman likely would have looked better. Everything was down last year and the games of him catching 9 to 10 passes were non-existent. As the veteran and leader of this unit, he must improve from last year for the Colts to have a chance.

Pittman can’t do it alone. Josh Downs has incredible ability but is mainly a slot guy. That is fine and his ability to move the sticks and make big conversions was huge. It does provide some limitations, however, so having another player on the outside increase their contribution is huge. Either Alec Pierce or Adonai Mitchell must show up. Pierce can catch the long ball, but that alone won’t cut it. His arsenal must expand. Mitchell hardly caught anything at all. He looked timid and seemed to avoid hits far too often. He has a long way to go from last year to move the needle for this team. This doesn’t mean Pierce or Mitchell can’t, but it means they have the greatest opportunity to close the gap.

Anthony Richardson needs help. Yes, he too needs to improve, but he needs skilled and competent players to get the ball to. If the receivers don’t win their matchups consistently, can’t create enough separation, and can’t make the tough catches, it will be a long and painful season. There is a lot of room for improvement. They just have to raise the overall level.