Colts' Hakeem Nicks says he's best WR in the league
INDIANAPOLIS — In an Indianapolis Colts locker room led by Reggie Wayne, Hakeem Nicks assessed his NFL standing this week.
"I still view myself as the best receiver in the league," he said.
The proclamation wasn't meant to slight the 14-year veteran dressing in the opposite corner of the rectangular, blue-splashed room, but Nicks repeated it for effect.
"That expectation ain't never going to change," he said. "I'll get a chance to prove it eventually."
Signed in March, Nicks isn't trying to rock the boat of the league's No. 1-rated offense, but he wants more footballs from quarterback Andrew Luck. Nicks averaged 61.2 catches over five seasons with the New York Giants; he's on pace for only 48 in his first year with the Colts.
Luck doesn't play favorites, but it's clear Nicks must wait his turn. As targets, T.Y. Hilton (38) and Wayne (33) are first in line after four games. Nicks has been thrown to only 10.5% of time, 18 throws, which stands fourth among the plethora of potent Colts receivers.
Tight end Coby Fleener has been targeted 19 times, and following Nicks are running back Ahmad Bradshaw (17), tight end Dwayne Allen (15), running back Trent Richardson (14), rookie receiver Donte Moncrief (nine) and reserve blocker Jack Doyle (six).
That's the balance the coaching staff wants, so it's what Nicks wants.
"I feel like the talent we have here is being used to our advantage — we've just got to keep making plays, do the right things, show up in the plays we're supposed to show up in," he said. "Make plays when we're called on."
Nicks has converted 12 of his opportunities into 94 yards and a pair of touchdowns. As important is the attention he draws. History says he's a must-cover.
In the Giants' run to the 2012 Super Bowl title, quarterback Eli Manning looked Nicks' direction more often than he did either much-hyped Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham. Nicks' 76 regular-season catches were only three fewer than he had the season prior, and over those two seasons he amassed 2,244 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Said Colts coach Chuck Pagano: "(Opponents) know his history and they know he's a football player, so they've got to (defend) him accordingly."
Nicks has shown himself capable of monster games: 12 catches (vs. Houston, Oct. 10, 2010), 199 receiving yards (vs. Tampa Bay, Sept. 16, 2012), three touchdowns (vs. Carolina, Sept. 12, 2010). He's ready to deliver those here, too.
"Just have to be patient; you know it's going to be a long season," Nicks said. "Being a receiver we all want the ball every play, but we understand that sacrifice is part of being on a team. You have to understand the play, the concept, understand to play team ball and everything will work out in the end for everybody."
Bradshaw, who teamed with Nicks in New York, said that's easier said than done, and he's had to remind his friend of that.
"I just try to tell him he's one of our best receivers, and his time will come to be that main guy," Bradshaw said. "He's had to adjust. Now he sees what this team can do, how many weapons this team has. He sees the role he's supposed to play."
Bradshaw's never been No. 1 at his position in the NFL, but he's seen other No. 1s struggle to accept a lesser role. Nicks' eagerness to contribute is complicated by the fact he's playing on a one-year contract (at $4 million).
If he has a big year, teams, including the Colts, figure to invest in a No. 1-quality receiver who has won a Super Bowl and is still only 26 years old.
Said Bradshaw: "It's tough to make stuff happen when you only have a couple of plays a game, but I think (Nicks) understands that, too."
Curt Cavin writes for The Indianapolis Star, a Gannett affiliate.
