The Indianapolis Colts are set to install a new offense under the Frank Reich-Nick Sirianni regime which will emphasize quick throws over short distances. That doesn’t exactly play to the strengths of star receiver T.Y. Hilton, who has been among the best in the league in terms of going long and exploding for big plays.
As it turns out, Reich and Sirianni intend to keep the Pro Bowl wideout and his blistering speed a big part of their offense.
“As you emphasize the quicker throws, the deeper ones come,” Sirianni said, via Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan. “If you look at Frank and [my] past together, our teams have been high in completion percentage, but they’ve also been high in plus-20 yard gains, plus-16 yard gains. So those plays still come.”
Hilton had his worst season since his rookie year in 2017 as he missed quarterback Andrew Luck. But when he actually did get hold of the ball, he made it count. He recorded a 16.9 yards per reception average, which was good for fourth in the league.
While Luck is slated to return this season, it remains to be seen what shape his once-powerful arm will be in, especially since he’s only started throwing footballs again. It’s possible Luck might not have the arm strength he once had to connect consistently with Hilton for those long bombs.
But that’s just a problem Sirianni and the Colts will have to deal with if it comes. Hilton remains easily their most reliable receiver on the roster, and they must continue to find ways to do what he does best, which is to go off for big plays.
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