What Does Isaiah McKenzie’s Stats Reveal About His Place with Colts?

Isaiah McKenzie was part of the Buffalo team that rose from an also-ran to a Super Bowl contender. But he got released and the Bills’ loss may be the Colts’ gain. McKenzie signed with Indianapolis on a one-year deal. He’s pegged as the team’s starting slot receiver. But Isaiah McKenzie’s stats indicate a player that can do many things as he may be in for a breakout season.

Isaiah McKenzie in 2023

McKenzie’s Role: Swiss-Army Knife

One glimpse at Isaiah McKenzie’s stats shows that he’s played a variety of positions. He’s lined up as a receiver, running back, and cornerback. He’s also a punt returner. In fact, he’s scored a touchdown in three different ways: via catching, running, and returning a punt. This is the type of do-it-all player new coach Shane Steichen could use.

The Colts have listed McKenzie as the starting receiver at the slot. Behind him is Josh Downs, a third-round pick this year, and Ethan Fernea, an undrafted free agent from last year. And across him will be Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Overall, McKenzie is the most experienced pro of the group.

He averaged career highs with Buffalo in 2022 so it came as a surprise to see him cut. McKenzie will have to battle it out with Downs as far as starting. But being on a new team on a one-year deal, McKenzie could shine as he looks to prove he’s got plenty left in the tank.

Isaiah McKenzie’s Player Profile & Stats

McKenzie was drafted by Denver in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was primarily a punt returner. In 2018, Buffalo took him three days after Denver placed him on waivers. He started his tenure in Buffalo as a kick returner but saw his role grow increasingly over time.

Career Stats

The 28-year-old recorded some career-best NFL stats in 2022. He played in 15 games and started eight of them, making 42 catches on 65 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns. McKenzie was featured as both a third option at receiver and an alternative running back. On top of this, he still returned kicks and maintained his top yards per return average (24).

RECEIVING:

• TGT: 207
• REC: 141
• YDS: 1,345
• Y/R: 9.5
• TD: 11
• 1D: 91
• LNG: 46
• Y/G: 16.8
• CTCH%: 68.1%

RETURNS:

• RT: 108
• YDS: 1,630
• TD: 1
• LNG: 84
• Y/RT: 15.1
• APYd: 3,209

McKenzie will likely never be among the NFL receiving leaders. But he can contribute in many other ways. An offensive mind like Steichen will find ways to utilize the Jack of All Trades.

Still, it is possible for Isaiah McKenzie’s stats to hit a new level in his time with the Colts. This depends on how much rapport he develops with the team’s quarterback, who may be the rather green Anthony Richardson.

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