It seemed inevitable that Alec Pierce would have his breakthrough performance in a season in which Josh Downs has emerged as one of the NFL’s best rookie wide receivers and Michael Pittman Jr. has been the Colts’ go-to receiver.
In the Colts’ 31-28 overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Pierce had his moment to shine and proved to everyone why he’s one of the best young deep threats in the NFL. Pierce had his first career 100-yard receiving game thanks to two crucial receptions of 35 yards or more. Also, he made it to the end zone for the first time since December of last year.
Companion wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. stated it couldn’t have happened to a better guy, acknowledging the amount of work Pierce puts in.
Pittman remarked, “I am so proud of him.” “I am ecstatic for him because, despite the fact that some kind of wrote him off, he has worked incredibly hard and is doing everything correctly. It’s truly amazing to witness him achieve such success in such a significant game. I just adore him so much.”
On Sunday, Pierce made an early impression on the Colts offense as he scored a touchdown on their opening drive. Pierce accomplished this by eluding Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton and safety Elijah Molden on a go route that resulted in a 36-yard touchdown.
Pierce was quiet the remainder of regulation, save for a nine-yard reception. He was nevertheless unwavering in his belief that he would get another opportunity to make a huge play.
“The opportunities are limited, so if you don’t make the play then you don’t have a good game,” Pierce stated. “You have to be able to make a play when the ball is thrown to you. The most important thing mentally is to persevere. They might give it to you in the first quarter or wait until the fourth to get back to me. It’s as if you simply have to be prepared to act and have an impact whenever possible.”
With 3:05 left in overtime, he got his second opportunity. The Colts needed a huge play to give themselves a chance to win the game as they trailed 25–28.
Therefore, with the Colts facing a first-and-10 situation at their own 41-yard line, quarterback Gardner Minshew once more targeted Pierce, this time for a 55-yard pass that put the team in position to score at the Titans’ four-yard line. The game-winning touchdown was scored two plays later when Minshew hit Pittman in the back of the end zone.
Head coach Shane Steichen was proud of Pierce’s ability to give the team excellent field position, saying the second-year receiver’s patience paid off.
