Moments after saying he would prefer not to hype anyone’s performance this early to avoid the potential for complacency, Colts coach Chuck Pagano proceeded to sing the praises of his No. 1 receiver.
“(T.Y. Hilton) is having as good an offseason as anybody, probably better than anybody,” Pagano said Tuesday. “…I’ve never seen this guy practice as fast as he's practicing right now. … He’s done it day in and day out.”
That's no embellishment. Hilton has caught just about everything thrown his way – over the middle, on the sideline, falling out of the end zone. On those occasions when he’s matched up against No. 1 cornerback Vontae Davis, Hilton seems to have won more of those battles than he’s lost.
I asked Hilton what gives. He offered a simple explanation.
“I’m more motivated, more hungry,” he said. “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.”
In 22 games over the past two seasons with an active Andrew Luck, Hilton has averaged 5.1 catches for 86 yards and 0.45 TD. Those are fringe WR1 numbers in PPR formats and solid WR1 numbers in standard leagues. With Luck back under center, Hilton should have a bounce back season after finishing #22 in both formats.
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