Colts' Michael Pittman Jr. Reaches Elite Company: Crunching Numbers

Originally posted on Indianapolis Colts on SI
By Jake Arthur | Last updated Nov 26, 2023 8:16 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts (6-5) moved to a game above .500 on Sunday with their 27-20 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Finally putting together a total team effort in all three phases of the game, the Colts now sit in the seventh and final slot in the AFC playoff standings with six weeks remaining in the regular season.

Plenty was achieved as a team on Sunday, but a handful of players reached some personal accomplishments as well.

The following achievements were provided postgame by Colts Communications.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: QB Gardner Minshew | 251 yards

Rushing: RB Jonathan Taylor | 91 yards

Receiving: WR Michael Pittman Jr. | 107 yards

Tackles: LB Zaire Franklin | 7

Sacks: DE Samson Ebukam | 2.0

Takeaways: LB Ronnie Harrison | 1 interception; DE Dayo Odeyingbo | 1 fumble recovery

Kicking: K Matt Gay | 2-of-3 field goals (67%), 3-of-3 extra points (100.0%)

Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 2 punts, 47.0-yard average

Returns: Isaiah McKenzie | 1 punt return, 13.0-yard avg.

OFFENSE

The Colts converted three fourth downs, which ties their single-game season-high.

Quarterback Gardner Minshew was 24-of-41 passing (58.5%) for 251 yards (6.1 YPA), 1 interception, and a 66.2 passer rating. He also ran the ball 3 times for 6 yards (2.0 avg.) and 1 touchdown.

This is the first time he has started and won three consecutive NFL games.

Running back Jonathan Taylor had 15 carries for 91 yards (6.1 avg.) and 2 touchdowns.

He passed Marshall Faulk (36) for the most rushing touchdowns by a Colts player in their first four seasons.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught 10-of-13 targets for 107 yards (10.7 avg.).

It was his eighth game this season with at least 8 receptions, which passes Marvin Harrison (7 in 2001) for the second-most such games in single-season history.
Pittman has recorded 8 or more receptions in four consecutive games, which is the third-longest streak in franchise history.
His receptions are a new personal single-game season-high.
His 79 receiving yards in the first half are the third-most he has had in the opening half of a game and it marks the fourth time he has eclipsed 75 yards in the first half.