'The Enforcer' Michael Pittman Jr. Brings Grit to Colts Offense

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has proven to be an asset with his hands but also brings an edge to the offense.

Fans of the Indianapolis Colts have seen firsthand the development of fourth-year wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

The former second-round pick out of USC has gone from a role player to start his rookie campaign to the undisputed WR1 for the Colts. Pittman has become the security blanket for all the Colts' starting quarterbacks in his time in Indy. Whether it is Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, or Anthony Richardson, Pittman is always the go-to guy on the outside.

Pittman is off to a fast start to begin the 2023 season. #11 has racked up 25 catches (tied-fourth in the NFL) for 230 yards and a touchdown in three games. While Pittman is putting up great receiving numbers, an underrated part of his game is also shining this season.

The Colts recently posted a video to their X account where Pittman revealed head coach Shane Steichen gave him the role of "The Enforcer" before the season. The Enforcer is "the tone setter, the one who is bringing it every single time," according to Pittman. So, why was Pittman given the role of "The Enforcer?" Because of the wide receiver's toughness.

MPJ: The Enforcer pic.twitter.com/4QelWuQAyo

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 27, 2023

Simply put, Pittman's toughness has shone since he was drafted. The wide receiver is unafraid to take on a block, push forward for tough yards, or fight for a contested catch. For Pittman, playing tough is not something he sets out to do, but it has always been a natural part of his game.

“I don’t really know," Pittman said with a smile when asked what makes him tougher than the rest. "One thing that I try to just preach is that I’m willing to go one step further than whoever is lined up in front of me. If that’s toughness then I guess that would be it.”

Steichen noticed Pittman's toughness right away. The rookie head coach has become a big fan of his WR1 in short order and has used him all over the field. Whether catching a contested catch on third down or throwing a block on a running play, Pittman is very valuable to this Colts team.

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“I think Pitt kind of sets the tone for that receiver room," Steichen admitted. "The reason he’s in the enforcer is because he’s the force-blocker guy – he goes in and he makes those big-time blocks. Sometimes we have him on the edge blocking d-ends with tight ends and then also just his ability to fight, scratch and claw in the pass game to get open and make contested catches, that’s what he does and very thankful to have him.”

While Pittman is only 25 years old, he has become the leader of the Colts wide receiver room. He embraces the dirty work required of the wide receiver position, and when the leader of the group is fine with doing it, others will follow. While blocking and hustling do not show up in the stats sheet, it can be the difference between a win and a loss.

“I think it’s huge. When you’ve got a guy that does the dirty work, those guys get rewarded for doing those type of jobs," Steichen said. "That’s what he does and like I said, he’s the tone-setter for that position group. He’s been playing at a high level these first three weeks, and we’ve got to continue that.”

One example of the hustle and toughness Pittman brings to this Colts team happened last week against the Baltimore Ravens. Gardner Minshew fumbled the ball after being sacked by Kyle Hamilton. As the ball was bounced around, it was All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and Pittman diving for the ball and sacrificing their bodies. Without Pittman jumping on the ball, the Ravens would have recovered, and it could have changed the outcome of the game.

"Without giving up too much scheme, my job was to try to be in front of somebody but it didn’t work out," Pittman explained. "Q was actually the first one, hustled in and knocked somebody who was going for it and then Gardner was actually the second one and he knocked somebody else and I was able to jump on the ball. I was just there and those two guys made a great play and I was able to stop what could have been a horrible play.”

Pittman also made an incredible catch in overtime that showed off his toughness. Minshew threw it up for Pittman after a double move by the wide receiver. As Pittman went up for the catch, the hand of a Ravens defender went into Pittman's helmet, knocking it off as Pittman took a hit from another defender. It did not matter, as Pittman came down with the big catch and completely flipped field position.

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts came out with the victory because of game-saving plays like the ones Pittman made on Sunday. Indy now finds itself atop the AFC South standings despite having low expectations. Being the leader in the division is great, but Pittman knows it is a long season.

“We have a long way to go but it’s encouraging after that slow start that we had," Pittman remarked. "We’re picking it up and hoping to keep on adding to our win list and look up in late November and we’re in a good spot.”

The Colts hope to make it three wins in a row this weekend as they take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams secondary has gotten off to a good start this season. The Colts pass catchers will have their work cut out to produce.

Pittman, a California native, will have to bring that toughness once again as he leads the Colts on Sunday. But as we have seen, that should not be a problem.

"We want to start fast, and we want to keep this thing going," Pittman admitted. “We feel confident, and we just got to go out and execute.”

If you see Pittman making tough catches and bringing an edge to this Colts offense, it should not come as a shock. It is what "The Enforcer" is supposed to do.

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