As the Colts organization and fans are still mulling over the end of the 2024 season, many positives can be captured. The most notable positives are within the individual players who rose to the occasion and played lights out. Yes, the 2024 season was a huge disappointment, but there were two players, in particular, that stepped up big for the Colts. If nothing else, this past season was able to showcase that the Colts still have talent on their roster.
Two Superstar Players from the Colts 2024 Season
Jonathan Taylor
It probably comes as no shock that Jonathan Taylor is still considered a superstar running back in this league. He has not been close to reaching his historic 2021 season, but he is still very productive. Taylor was on pace to be right around his 2021 season had he not missed three games due to injury. In the 2024 season, he finished with 1,431 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also averaged 4.7 yards per carry and averaged 102.2 rushing yards per game. Taylor finished fourth in the league in rushing yards. He was tied for third in rushes of over 40 yards and was tied for sixth on the longest run of 70 yards.
This level of production warranted a Pro Bowl nod and it was well-deserved. There was some skepticism surrounding Taylor after his 2023 off-season drama which eventually led to his three-year extension. The question surrounding him was whether he could still be an elite back. The answer was clear in 2024 and the Colts will look for him to continue to produce like this in 2025.
Alec Pierce
Quietly added to star power is third-year wide receiver, Alec Pierce. Colts fans had been waiting to see his breakout season and they got in 2024. Pierce led the team in total receiving yards with 824 and was third on the team in receptions with 37. He also surpassed his career touchdown total leading up to the 2024 season as he finished with seven on the year. He also led the league in yards per reception with 22.3 and was second, behind Ja’Marr Chase, in receptions of 40 yards or more. Also, out of his 37 total receptions, 32 went for first downs. This 86.4 first-down percentage ranked third among receivers who had at least 10 receptions.
Needless to say, Pierce had a monster season and hopefully, 2024 was just the beginning. The Colts have not had a true deep-threat receiver since T.Y. Hilton, who left Indy in 2021. If the Colts have indeed found their guy, this will bode well for their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Every young quarterback needs a receiver that they can throw the 50-50 ball to, and 2024 indicated that Pierce can be that guy.
2025 will be an intriguing season to watch with the Colts wide receivers. Michael Pittman Jr. will be back and healthy as their number one. Josh Downs will continue to be a force over the middle. Adonai Mitchell had a slow start to his rookie season, but he showed a good amount of potential to be a compliment to Pittman. Then, that just leaves Pierce, who blossomed into a deep-threat receiver. Coupling his explosive capabilities with the explosive capabilities of Taylor will be a duo to watch in Indy.
Main Photo: [Christine Tannous/IndyStar] – USA Today Sports
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