The Indianapolis Colts benefitted heavily from the return of quarterback Andrew Luck last season. Perhaps no one enjoyed having the quarterback more than wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.
In 2017, Hilton had the worst year of his career since his rookie year back in 2012. He had just 57 receptions for 966 yards and four touchdowns. The receptions and yards were his lowest since 2012, while the four touchdowns were a new career-low.
However, in 2018 Hilton was back to being one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the entire NFL. He reeled in 76 passes in just 14 games – piling up 1,270 yards and six touchdowns (one off his career-high).
T.Y. Hilton seems to now be at that point in his career where you can expect at least a solid season from him no matter the circumstances. However, what three numbers should he target for 2019?
100 Receptions
T.Y. Hilton is more of a big-play receiver. However, he's shown he can rack up the receptions from time to time. With that in mind, he's had some strong numbers when it comes to receptions.
The most he's ever had in a season is 91 – and that came in 2016. The next year was the 57 reception year, when Andrew Luck was out. Then in 2018 he had 76 receptions in Luck's return.
You'd have to think Luck and him were getting back on the same page. So why not try for a new career-high in receptions in 2019. For Hilton, he's already so close to 100 receptions he might as well try to hit the number. That's one of the few things missing from his fantastic career to this point anyways.
10 Touchdowns
Another number that's eluded T.Y. Hilton is a high touchdown total. This one is especially surprising given the fact that he's a big-play receiver who sees a ton of targets and usually has a strong number of receptions.
Despite that, he's never had more than seven touchdowns in a season – he did that once back in 2014.
Hilton has all the tools to put up ridiculous touchdown numbers and has a quarterback that loves to air it out – and especially to him.
Of course, Eric Ebron will be taking his fair share of TDs away from everyone else, but Luck has enough to give a lot to multiple players. There's no reason to believe Hilton can't be one of them.
With his skill set, double-digit touchdowns is something you should expect to see Hilton reach in a season by the end of his career. Now that he's back with Luck and in his prime, what better time than now?
16 Games Played for Andrew Luck
T.Y. Hilton has proven he's one of the better wide receivers in the NFL. However, there's a major difference for him performance wise when Andrew Luck isn't playing.
Was he serviceable? Sure, absolutely. Hilton was far from a game-changer though. He was still better than the average receiver, but without a talent like Luck throwing him the ball – his talent was wasted.
Currently, the backup is Jacoby Brissett. He's shown some skill but it's fair to say isn't close to the level of arm talent that Luck has.
The Indianapolis Colts offense needs Luck at quarterback. When he isn't in – the entire team suffers, Hilton more than most.
If T.Y. Hilton wants to put up elite numbers it's clear he needs Luck at quarterback. While this number is out of his hands, it's the most important one for him – and the entire team.
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