INDIANAPOLIS — Colts receiver Adonai Mitchell’s NFL debut had the potential to be much bigger.
Mitchell caught one pass for just 2 yards, but it could have been a highlight performance.
He found himself open on a fourth-down play that ended Indianapolis’ first drive, later beat Derek Stingley Jr. on the right sideline heading to the end zone, and also shook free from Kwame Lassiter on the left sideline.
However, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson missed Mitchell on all three throws. While Alec Pierce and Ashton Dulin connected with Richardson for some spectacular catches, Mitchell became the target of his quarterback’s misfires.
Mitchell, however, didn’t complain.
Instead, the rookie took a different approach.
“The last thing I want to be is a negative voice in the quarterback’s head, saying, ‘Man, give me the ball,’” Mitchell said. “I’d rather be encouraging.”
Richardson missed on a short throw to start, overthrew Mitchell after he got past Stingley, and on the third, Lassiter grabbed Mitchell as he sped by, drawing an illegal contact flag. Mitchell managed to beat another Texans defender later in the game, but Richardson couldn’t fit the pass into the window between the corner and safety.
Had Richardson connected on a couple of those throws, Mitchell’s debut might have been remarkable.
By the time Mitchell addressed the media, Richardson had already taken responsibility for the missed opportunities.
“I have to hit those,” Richardson admitted. “He did a great job getting open.”
Richardson kept looking for him.
Mitchell was targeted five times, the second-most on the team behind veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
“Every time we got back to the sideline, in the huddle, or saw each other, we were always communicating and giving feedback,” Mitchell explained. “It’s all about teamwork—‘I’ve got your back, you’ve got mine, let’s keep going.’”
From a statistical standpoint, Mitchell’s debut may not have been eye-catching. But it surely looks different to defensive coordinators watching the film.
When a receiver like Pierce has a standout performance—catching three passes for 125 yards and a 60-yard touchdown—it’s easy for future opponents to adjust and double-cover him. But with Mitchell proving he can also get open deep, defenses must now consider both threats.
“It’s hard to hit every one of those plays, but you keep trying,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “You keep taking those shots.”
Mitchell, despite the missed throws, remains optimistic.
While some wide receivers might sulk over missed opportunities, Mitchell chose to focus on the impressive throws Richardson made to others.
“This guy is only four months older than me, the youngest quarterback in the NFL, and making these kinds of plays in Game 1,” Mitchell said. “We’re in pretty good shape here. … He’s special, really special. It’s just a matter of time.”
Mitchell also found himself filling in part-time at a position that’s unfamiliar to him. With slot receiver Josh Downs sidelined since early August, Mitchell has stepped in, despite never playing the slot in college at Georgia or Texas. However, the Colts have bigger plans for him on the outside.
“Obviously, he knows his time will come,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “You never know whose week it’s going to be. Week in and week out, it could be a different receiver, tight end, or even (Jonathan Taylor’s) day.”
Mitchell remains confident that his time will come, that Richardson will connect with him as he streaks downfield.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Mitchell said. “If I don’t reach my potential, I have no one to blame but myself.”
A wise mindset for a rookie.
