Alec Pierce Impresses with Strong Team Performance

Alec Pierce is making a strong impression at Indianapolis Colts training camp, and his teammates are taking notice.

Pierce, who led the NFL in yards per reception (22.3) last season, has been a consistent deep threat for the team. His teammate Michael Pittman Jr. calls him the best in the league, praising Pierce's speed and ability to make plays.

"Alec's doing what I think he's always done," Pittman Jr. said. "He's just very consistent. He's very fast. And he's the best deep ball threat in the NFL."

Pittman Jr. also noted that Pierce is more than just a deep threat, saying fans may see more intermediate and shallow throws to him this season.

Head coach Shane Steichen agrees, saying Pierce is only improving.

"He just keeps making strides," Steichen said. "Last year was a hell of a year for him and it carried over into the offseason and spring and he's continued it in training camp. An explosive player that's got a ton of ability and is making a lot of plays for us."

Pierce has been able to use training camp to improve against different coverages, saying it's given him more one-on-one opportunities to work on his route running.

"It's great getting different looks from the defense this year," Pierce said. "A lot more man coverage. It kind of gives you a lot of opportunities to work. Basically every play is a one-on-one opportunity, so you really get to work on your route running and craft and like that, so it's definitely been a lot of good work this camp, just receivers versus DBs (defensive backs) and stuff and I think it's a lot of opportunity to get better."

Pierce had career highs in yards and touchdowns last season, catching 37 passes for 824 yards and seven touchdowns.