Rookie wide receiver Josh Downs has been terrific for the Indianapolis Colts, and his head coach Shane Steichen has high praise for him.
By Jaleel Grandberry
On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts got a tough win against the divisional rival Tennessee Titans. Running back Zack Moss led Indy to a 23-16 win, with 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. While Zack Moss was the story of the day, he wasn’t the only offensive player to step up for Indy on Sunday. Rookie wide receiver Josh Downs also had a career day.
In just the fifth NFL game of his career, Downs was targeted six times, catching all six passes for 97 yards. The rookie led the Colts in receptions and receiving yards and hauled in some big catches in the tight win over Tennessee.
Josh Downs has breakout performance in Colts Week 5 win
The Rookie was everywhere on Sunday, catching everything. Deep passes, short passes, or intermediate, it didn’t matter. The ball consistently found Downs’ hands as he kept making plays. Josh Downs is now up to 23 receptions for 255 yards on the season.
Despite being a rookie, he has looked comfortable since his first snap in the NFL. After Sunday’s game, head coach Shane Steichen explained that Downs has a natural feel for the game. All of the best receivers do. That allows them to find all of the open spots on the field and build a rapport with quarterbacks.
Downs has seemingly built a rapport with Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew, as he’s been able to excel with whichever quarterback is in the game. With Michael Pittman Jr. also playing well in a pivotal contract year, Indy’s group of tight ends being productive, and Alec Pierce coming along, Downs should continue to grow into an elite weapon for the Colts. Add a promising passing game to the established dominant rushing attack that Indy has, and Indy could have an elite offense really soon.
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