Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. often rises to meet tough challenges. Take Sunday’s game against Tennessee.
Just four days after reports said he had a back injury that could keep him out for weeks, Pittman caught three passes for 35 yards and possibly saved Indy’s playoff chances by outjumping a defender for a key 10-yard touchdown catch in a 20-17 win over the Titans.
This doesn’t surprise anyone in the Colts’ locker room. “I’ve only been here — what week is this, six? Week 5, Week 6? He’s got to be one of the toughest players I’ve played with,” said quarterback Joe Flacco, a veteran with 17 years of experience.
“It’s awesome. I mean, when you have guys like that, you can go a long way. That’s the kind of player you need to have to win games. He’s unbelievable for that.”
While some might underestimate Pittman’s value because his stats and highlights aren’t always flashy, the Colts (3-3) have never overlooked him. They have relied on his steady leadership for so long that they gave him a $70 million contract extension in March.
He has proven to be worth every dollar.
From training camp fights to small clashes during joint practices and even his response after a dangerous hit to the head last December against Pittsburgh, Pittman never backs down. His performance against the Titans (1-4) was a perfect example.
When Flacco needed someone to handle a blitz on third-and-9, he stepped back and threw a great pass that allowed Pittman to use his size to win the jump ball and hold on as he hit the ground.
“I wanted to jump before he jumped, and honestly, I didn’t want to be too high because the game wasn’t over yet,” Pittman said. “Obviously, I was excited. But I knew, ‘Hey, the game’s not over yet. We’ve still got time.’ So I kept it level, and then it led to another decent play.”
That 16-yard catch earned a first down, nearly letting the Colts run out the clock with another play Pittman made look easy.
“He just showed up. Like I said, the toughest guy I’ve ever been around. When we needed a play, he made the big-time play,” coach Shane Steichen said. “Just a credit to him and his toughness.”
