What was Alec Pierce’s focus during the offseason?
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It’s no secret that this is a huge year for Alec Pierce. The former second-round pick has accumulated over 1,100 receiving yards through two seasons.
The knock on the former Cincinnati Bearcat entering the league was that he struggled to beat press coverage because of his lack of strength.
“I worked a lot this offseason on my route tree to continue to get more detailed in my routes and working on different types of moves to create separation and be cleaner on the top of routes.” Alec Pierce on Query & Company on Friday.
Last season he was one of eight wide receivers to play over 1,000 snaps. Pierce led all receivers in the NFL in snaps with 1,090. Sure, the depth for the Colts at that position warranted him being on the field a ton. However, Pierce’s skillset warranted him being on the field.
The Colts didn’t have anyone that could stretch the field like Pierce a season ago. That has now changed with the additions of Adonai Mitchell and Anthony Gould.
Where Pierce can separate himself from the two rookies is his run blocking. Shane Steichen, Frank Reich, and Chris Ballard have all gone on record saying that Pierce is one of the team’s better blockers. That is an area of weakness for Mitchell and Gould.
“You know it was kind of something I was expecting. That’s what they do every year in this league. They’re always trying to bring people in, make the room better, make the team better, so it’s nothing new. That’s just sports, it’s a competitive world. AD is a great player, he’s going to make our football team a lot better, it’s a great addition to the room, adds a different type of playmaker in the room. I’m excited to play with another teammate and I don’t at all look at it as a me versus him type situation. I truly believe that we can both impact this team in a positive way and make plays for the team.” Pierce stated.
This season is arguably the first time that Pierce will be able to have the ability to prove what he is. Matt Ryan’s arm strength was shot in 2022 and then Gardner Minshew didn’t frequently attempt to push the ball down the field. Both Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco are in the conversation for the strongest arm in the league.
Other topics that Jake Query & Jimmy Cook discussed with Alec Pierce were:
- If he took any trips during the off-season
- How Joe Flacco has helped Richardson and the offense
- What is different for him in year three compared to year two
To listen to Jake Query and Jimmy Cook’s conversation with Alec Pierce, download the podcast containing the conversation below! You can always listen to the Query & Company from 12pm-3pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan. You can also watch and interact with the show by going to the 107.5 The Fan YouTube Channel.
