Colts’ T.Y. Hilton on Philip Rivers: ‘We’re kind of like a perfect match’
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton will be working with his third different starting quarterback since the start of the 2018 season. However, the addition of Philip Rivers appears to be a seamless transition for the duo.
Dealing with injuries and the Colts’ lack of quality passing in 2019, Hilton endured a down season. But with Rivers now under center for at least the 2020 season, Hilton believes better things are on the horizon.
The pair have been working perfectly together during training camp with an accelerated rapport.
“We had a couple throwing sessions where we felt out one another. Right now, we’re just working hand in hand. He likes throwing to soft spots and I like finding the soft spots. In reality, we’re kind of like a perfect match,” Hilton said of Rivers. “As long as he continues to do that, find the soft spots in the defense and he’s able to get it to me, get it into my hands and let me work, the sky is the limit for us.”
Going from Andrew Luck to Jacoby Brissett and now to the veteran in Rivers isn’t easy for any wide receiver. But Hilton has been one of the most underrated wideouts in the league since he entered the NFL in 2012.
Even with a limited offseason, the timing is there between Hilton and Rivers.
“His main thing is getting the ball out of his hands, getting it to me early and letting me work. Once I get it, I’m always looking to make plays. That’s what the team expects out of me. Our timing is pretty much down,” Hilton said. “We are still getting better, we’re still working. The more you get it in my hands, the more I get it – I’m able to work. That’s the one thing we’ve learned about each other.”
Hilton should see plenty of targets as well. The top wide receiver for the Chargers (Keenan Allen) over the last three seasons held no fewer than 26% of the team’s targets. That’s an elite number and easily attainable for Hilton if he’s healthy.
The Colts are expecting a bounce-back for the passing offense and if Hilton stays healthy, he will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Rivers addition.
