The Indianapolis Colts have been one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season. While things were supposed to be better with a veteran quarterback at the helm, not many people saw Daniel Jones as this team’s breakout candidate.

Jonathan Taylor is playing like an MVP candidate, and Shane Steichen should be one of the leading candidates to win Coach of the Year as well. Nevertheless, there has also been another unsung hero for this team.

At least, that’s how Kevin Patra feels. In his latest column, the NFL.com analyst claimed that, despite being overlooked, Alec Pierce should also be in line to make the Pro Bowl this season:

“It’s always excellent timing to enjoy a career season in the final year of a rookie contract. Pierce continues to be a big-play maven, leading the NFL with 20.9 yards per catch through Week 11 — the only player above the 19 YPC mark. His 20.4 average depth of target ranks No. 2 in the NFL. He’s the deep threat that keeps everything open underneath for Daniel Jones and the rest of an explosive Colts offense. Pro Bowl wide receiver is a tough nut to crack, with big names and big games littering the league, but Pierce has proven his value heading into free agency,” Patra wrote.

The Colts aren’t messing around this season. Their decision to make a run at Sauce Gardner proves that they’re looking to compete at the highest level right now. More than that, it’s also a long-term commitment to Daniel Jones, and it’s more than clear that they will sign him to a long-term, very lucrative deal in the offseason.

They’re tied for the best record in the league. Now, coming off their bye week, they will have a prime opportunity to make a statement when they go against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Steve Spagnuolo’s defense continues to be one of the best in the game, and they’re not the type of team that usually gives up big plays. But with Pierce healthy and at his best, the Colts will always have a chance with their deep shots down the field.

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