In the midst of a breakout season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce finds himself in a peculiar predicament. Despite leading the NFL in yards per reception, he’s fourth on his team in pass targets, and his involvement in games has been sporadic at best. This paradox has sparked questions about whether the Colts should be doing more to get Pierce the ball.
Quarterback Joe Flacco echoed these concerns after Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, admitting he felt bad about Pierce’s limited opportunities. However, Pierce eventually made his presence felt, hauling in three passes for 134 yards and a touchdown in the final minutes of the game.
Pierce’s impressive statistics – 368 yards on 13 catches – belie his inconsistent involvement in the offense. He’s become a deep threat in the Colts’ system, often used to clear out defenders for other receivers. This role has earned him a reputation as a big-play threat, with defenses now accounting for him in their game plans.
Factors such as the Colts’ explosive offense, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson’s 12.0 air yards per attempt, and defensive adjustments have contributed to Pierce’s limited targets. Defenses are wary of the Colts’ deep threats, often deploying two deep safeties to counter them.
Despite these challenges, Pierce remains committed to expanding his game and proving his value. He’s aware that opponents will continue to adapt, and he needs to show them he’s more than just a deep threat. With the Colts facing the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Pierce will look to build on his recent success and make a stronger case for more targets.
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