Colts' Pittman laments 2-catch game: 'Maybe I'm not a big part' of offense
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. lamented not having a bigger role in Sunday's 39-38 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
"They just didn't target me today, for whatever reason. Maybe I'm not a big part of the offense," Pittman said postgame, according to Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star.
Pittman only managed two receptions on five targets in the defeat. However, he was able to break free for a 75-yard touchdown to give the Colts a 38-33 lead with 5:38 remaining.
"When I do get the ball, I feel like I always do something with it," he said. "Just know that I'm viable to break off a big one in any situation versus any team. I'm just trying to show the coaches that I'm out there, too."
Rookie Josh Downs paced Indy with five receptions and six targets. But despite Pittman's quiet showing, the fourth-year wideout ranks ninth in the league and first on his team in targets with 65 through seven games. Pittman has led the Colts in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons.
With Gardner Minshew in line to start the remainder of the season after rookie Anthony Richardson was placed on injured reserve, Indianapolis leaned more on its rushing attack Sunday with the pairing of Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss. The Colts compiled 40 rushing attempts compared to just 23 passes.
However, Pittman, who's playing out the final year of his rookie deal, says he just wants more of an opportunity to make plays.
"It was frustrating. I was frustrated," Pittman said. "I was just trying to keep my composure to myself and not try to project that onto anybody else."
The USC product has 42 receptions for 489 yards and two touchdowns this season.