Indianapolis Colts playmaker named the team's most improved player after his breakout season in 2024
The Indianapolis Colts fell short in 2024 after finishing season 8-9. Though they didn't meet their goals as a team, they still had multiple solid individual performances this season that deserve recognition. That's exactly what Pro Football Focus did in their new piece, where they shared who they believe was the most improved player for the […]
The Indianapolis Colts fell short in 2024 after finishing season 8-9.
Though they didn't meet their goals as a team, they still had multiple solid individual performances this season that deserve recognition. That's exactly what Pro Football Focus did in their new piece, where they shared who they believe was the most improved player for the Colts in 2024.
PFF names WR Alec Pierce the Colts' most improved player of 2024
"Alec Pierce’s role in the Colts offense is clearly defined. They want him to win downfield with his speed and 6-foot-3 frame. That hadn’t always been a surefire thing in his first two seasons in the NFL, but Pierce took a real step forward in 2024 and asserted himself as a reliable deep threat for Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco. Pierce caught 37 passes for a career-high 824 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, and he earned a career-high 74.3 grade in the process.
The effort to get Pierce the ball downfield more was clear too, as his average depth of target increased to 22.8 yards, and he earned the second-most targets of 20 yards or more in the NFL in 2024 (30). Pierce caught 12 of those targets for 517 yards, the most yards earned on deep passes in the NFL. He broke out as a real deep threat, and his talents are clearly catered to Richardson's strengths."
– Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus
One of the most prominent bright spots of the season for the Colts was undoubtedly wide receiver Alec Pierce. It's hard to argue with PFF's selection of Pierce for the Colts' most-improved player in 2024. He set new career highs across the board with 37 receptions, 824 yards, and seven touchdowns. He also led the entire NFL in yards per reception, with 22.3.
After being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pierce's first two seasons were modest but not game-changing. This year, though, we saw his big play ability on full display. He led the Colts in receiving yards and touchdowns on the season, and to make it even more impressive, he only had the third most targets on the team. Giving Pierce quarterbacks who would look his way downfield led to a giant production jump from the third-year WR. Now, imagine what type of production he could have if the Colts were a more efficient passing offense in the future.
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