Denver Broncos

Colts Rob Chudzinski on Phillip Dorsett: 'It's time he needs to step up'

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:05 p.m. ET

Fansided, Luke Schultheis/FanSided via Horseshoe Heroes

According to Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, it’s time for the team’s 2015 first round pick and 2nd-year wide receiver Phillip Dorsett to ‘step up’:

“We need him,” said Chudzinski on Dorsett. “It’s time. It’s time he needs to step up, and he understands that, realizes that, and we’ve talked a lot about that. So I fully expect him to do that, step up, and it be his time.”

After seeing his rookie season hindered by a fractured ankle that cost him 5 games, the 5’10”, 185 pound speed demon has yet to hit his full stride with the Colts.

Even from the start, many Colts fans have continued to question the selection of Dorsett with the 29th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, especially given the dire needs of the roster defensively and along the offensive line.

Certainly, the recent Pro Bowl caliber play of a young player such as New York Giants safety Landon Collins, who was taken just a few picks after Dorsett, hasn’t necessarily helped the Colts cause as of late. The impressive 2nd-year pro is tied for the 2nd most interceptions in the league with 5 interceptions and leads all NFL safeties with 100 total tackles.

However, the selection seemed to look at least better to start the season given the team released diminished veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson and had a significant need for another talented wide receiver in an offense that frequently deploys 3-wide receiver sets.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) is tackled by Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) after a reception for a first down in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Nevertheless, the 5’10”, 185 pound wideout, who’s blessed with blazing fast speed, has just 27 receptions for 414 total receiving yards and a receiving touchdown on the season.

That’s also while having started 4 games replacing then injured wide receiver Donte Moncrief earlier in the season as the team’s 2nd wide receiver.

For a silver lining, Dorsett has been a deep threat playmaker for the Colts somewhat as advertised, as his 15.3 average yards per reception is the 14th most in the league among receivers–just behind his teammate T.Y. Hilton at 15.4 average yards per reception.

However, he’s coming off arguably his worst performance as a Colt, as the former Miami Hurricanes standout dropped 3 passes and only had 3 receptions for 19 total receiving yards on 8 targets during a critical loss this past Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Something that he was clearly disappointed in, but is determined to change going forward:

“I think Phillip (Dorsett), obviously he was disappointed,” added Chudzinski on Dorsett. “We talked the other day. He was disappointed in how he played. He’s committed to being great and being a better player. He’s worked and is continuing to work at it.”

Sep 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) runs down the sidelines away from San Diego Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

One of the 2nd-year wide receiver’s unheralded contributions this season has actually been his ability to draw defensive pass interference flags on deep throws, as Dorsett ranks 6th in most total penalty yards drawn on defensive pass interference calls of all of the league’s 83 wide receivers with a minimum of 50 passes thrown their way with 3 flags for 100 total penalty yards respectively (via Football Outsiders).

However, he also currently has the 14th lowest catch rate among all of those same 83 wide receivers (Football Outsiders), so there’s some room for improvement in other areas of his receiving repertoire.

Nevertheless, his offensive coordinator believes he’s gotten better at some facets of his game already from his rookie season–but still needs to make the plays when they’re presented to him:

“I think he’s improved his overall understanding of the game,” concluded Chudzinski on Dorsett. “His route running. The details of playing the receiver position. He continues to grow in all areas, and when the opportunities come, make the plays.”