Advanced metric highlights effectiveness of Indianapolis Colts' WRs last season

ESPN's 'Receiver Score' metric showcases how effective the Indianapolis Colts' top three wideouts were during the 2024 season.

Bill Barnwell of ESPN recently ranked all 32 skill position units. Despite the unknowns that the Colts have at quarterback, he is bullish about the team's skill position group, in large part because of the wide receiver trio of Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce.

Although the Colts dealt with inconsistent quarterback play last season, they were the only team in the NFL to have three wideouts all eclipse 800 receiving yards. Further evidence of this group's effectiveness lies in their individual Receiver Scores.

Using tracking data from NFL Next Gen Stats, this metric evaluates every route a pass catcher runs and scores their performance based on whether or not they got open, if they made the reception and any YAC that was picked up.

Among all wide receivers last season, Downs would rank 15th in receiver score, Pierce was 37th, and Pittman was 70th.

"There's an underrated trio here," wrote Barnwell.

Also not to be forgotten about at wide receiver is AD Mitchell, who has put together a strong showing this offseason.

Along with the individual production that each of these receivers brings to the table, Pittman, Downs, and Pierce all have different skill sets as well, which from a schematic standpoint, provides Shane Steichen with ample flexibility as he puts together game plans to attack opposing defenses.

I've said it before, and I'm about to say it again: with some steady quarterback play--it doesn't have to be great--the Colts have the infrastructure around that position to be successful.

"No other group of receivers suffers more because of its situation," wrote Barnwell. "The Colts dropped back for just 567 passes last season, the fourth-lowest total of any team. Nearly 21% of those passes were off target, the second-highest rate in the league."

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' Pittman, Downs, Pierce ranked highly in advanced metric