Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce showed promise during his first two NFL seasons.
On Sunday, he made significant progress toward meeting the high expectations the Colts have for him.
Pierce, formerly of the Cincinnati Bearcats, delivered his best single-game performance yet with three catches, 125 yards, and his first touchdown of the season in Indy’s 29-27 loss to the Houston Texans, the reigning AFC South champions.
“That’s what I pride myself in doing, I think it’s the best part of my game,” Pierce said, referring to his two catches over 55 yards. “I’m just glad to be able to do it for the team.”
The Colts, who drafted Pierce in the second round of the 2022 draft at No. 53 overall, liked his speed and ability to make difficult catches. However, his performance dipped at times.
There were concerns about Pierce’s route-running and inconsistency. He had only one other 100-yard game and four games with more than three catches, with three of those four in his rookie season.
This season looks different for Pierce.
With the Colts enhancing their receiving group by picking former Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell in the second round of this year’s draft and slot receiver Josh Downs out with a high ankle sprain, the pressure was on Pierce to step up.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who never lost faith in Pierce, was rewarded on Sunday. Richardson said, “If I just put the ball in a decent spot for him and allow him that 50-50 chance, I feel like AP is going to go up there and get it.”
He added that Pierce made a spectacular catch on a touchdown pass that he described as the best pass he’s ever seen.
