Indianapolis Colts: T.Y. Hilton Is Poised For Best Season Yet
By Nick Ziegler
The Indianapolis Colts had a disappointing 2015 season, but wide receiver T.Y. Hilton continues to be one of the better receivers in the NFL.
For the first time in the Andrew Luck era, the Indianapolis Colts missed the playoffs in the 2015 season. Luck battled injuries for most of the season, and a few veteran acquisitions in free agency last season didn’t help get them over the hump. The Colts were in the AFC Championship Game in 2014, but they looked far from that level last season.
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With the offseason programs beginning for all NFL teams, the Colts are looking to rebound from the down season and reclaim the AFC South. One player that appears to be ready for the season to start is T.Y. Hilton.
Even with the Colts struggling last season, Hilton was still able to perform at a high level, as he totaled 69 receptions, 1,124 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns, and averaged 16.3 yards per reception. 2015 was the third straight season that Hilton totaled over 1,000 yards receiving, and it was also his second straight season that he was named to the Pro Bowl.
There is without a doubt that Hilton is carving out a great career for himself in the NFL, but we may not have even seen him at his best yet.
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“I’m more motivated, more hungry,” Hilton said to Stephen Holder of the Indy Star. “I’m just ready to go, man. After watching the playoffs last year and not being in there, I’m just ready to get back to that point and continue to lead this team.”
The Colts missing the playoffs last season has really seemed to motivate Hilton who did not like having to watch other teams playing in the postseason. Early in the offseason process, Hilton has been impressing his coaches.
“T.Y. is having as good an offseason as anybody, probably better than anybody,” Colts’ head coach Chuck Pagano told Holder. “I’ve never seen this guy practice as fast as he’s practicing right now. He’s done it day in and day out.”
It is hard to imagine Hilton playing at even a higher level, but with Luck in 2014, Hilton was able to have a monster season. In 2014, Hilton totaled 82 receptions, 1,345 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns in his first Pro Bowl season. Hilton is obviously going to play better with Luck under center, as he is a big play threat, and Luck certainly has the arm to get it to him.
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Having an improved offensive line in 2016 should help both Luck and Hilton. Giving Hilton a little bit more time to run his deep routes will make him even more difficult to guard for opposing cornerbacks, as he one of the quickest receivers in the game.
The Colts certainly appear to be a very motivated team this offseason, as they are putting in a lot of hard work led by Hilton. Hilton got his big contract extension last season, and now he is leading by example in camp to set the tone for the 2016 season.