There’s more to Colts rookie Adonai Mitchell's first NFL game than meets the eye, and it could lead to big things

Week 1 didn't go as planned for the Indianapolis Colts as they dropped their season opener to the Houston Texans.

It also wasn't the "welcome to the NFL" moment Colts rookie Adonai Mitchell was hoping for out of his first regular-season action, with him only hauling in one catch for two yards on the day.

But there's reason to be optimistic about his production going forward, thanks to his elite numbers at an intriguing stat.

Mitchell recorded the top separation score of any WR in Week 1 of the NFL season. He earned a 0.647, which was .038 higher than second place, which was Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, who earned a 0.609.

As you read above, Mitchell only had one catch for two yards but saw five targets throughout the team's Week 1 matchup. And if it weren't for a holding penalty called against the Texans, he would have had a deep touchdown. Earlier in the game, Richardson and Mitchell couldn't connect on what looked to be a walk-in touchdown after a beautiful route lost star Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr.

You know what they say "Almost" only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. So, while these two near touchdowns are great tos ee out of the Colt's rookie WR, it doesn't matter unless Richardson and Mitchell can get on the same page going forward. But it's important to note how incredible it is for him to lead the entire NFL with his .647 separation score. Other notable WRs to make the list under Mitchell were Mike Evans, Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb, and Texans" Nico Collins.

I'm sure Mitchell had some frustrations feeling so close to his first NFL touchdown(s) but seeing the balls fall incomplete. But his five targets, paired with his separation score, are great signs of the type of production we should be expecting out of the rest of his rookie season. So keep your heads up, Colts fans, because I think Mitchell is the real deal, and I can't wait to see him slowly but surely put his entire skill set together because the stats will follow suit.

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Related: Indianapolis Colts were the only NFL team to accomplish this impressive feat and still lose in Week 1