Colts: Frank Reich thinks TY Hilton will greatly benefit from Carson Wentz
By Jerry Trotta
The Carson Wentz trade was a no-brainer for the Indianapolis Colts, but the deal comes with significant risk, as their success in 2021 and beyond will hinge on his performance.
Luckily for Indy, their infrastructure seems to be the perfect place for Wentz to rediscover his confidence, which he was clearly stripped of by the end of last season.
In fact, you can argue that the Colts’ wide receiving corps is the weakest component of their offense, which speaks volumes given that it’s one of the deepest in the NFL.
We obviously don’t mean that as a form of disrespect. However, when your No. 1 option is an aging TY Hilton, the unit is going to pale in comparison to the NFL’s best.
Hilton was almost an afterthought in Indy’s offense last campaign until he erupted down the stretch of the regular season. It goes without saying the Colts will need a more complete year from the four-time Pro Bowler and Frank Reich thinks Wentz will help bring that out of him.
T.Y. Hilton says those 1,000-yard seasons he used to rack up will return this season ‘with ease.’
— 1075 The Fan (@1075thefan) June 22, 2021
It’s a bit of a bold statement when you look at how Hilton has produced the last two seasons but quarterback play may have been a factor. ⬇️ https://t.co/UmhmIJMkK3
Frank Reich thinks Carson Wentz will bring out the best in TY Hilton.
Hilton has struggled mightily in the production department following Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement, averaging fewer than five catches and 50 receiving yards per game. However, given Wentz has a similar skill set and physical tools to that of the former No. 1 overall pick, Reich is convinced that Hilton is poised to return to his dominant ways.
"“Andrew used to always say that there’s no player better at finding open space than T.Y. Hilton,” Reich told reporters. “When things break down or you are out of rhythm, T.Y. just had this knack. He said that from day one. I remember thinking that’s kind of a weird thing for Andrew to say about T.Y., but I’ve seen that play out over three years.“Given Carson’s ability to (scramble), obviously I think that bodes well for T.Y.”"
Every fan in Indianapolis knows that Hilton is great at improvising and finding holes in the secondary after plays break down. The former second-rounder and Luck had an unrivaled chemistry in this regard and it often felt like the Colts’ offense was better off when Luck was forced to scramble outside the pocket and let the pigskin loose downfield.
One thing Colts are most excited about getting Carson Wentz at QB is the return of deep shots w/ TY Hilton. In his throwing sessions with Wentz so far, TY says Wentz's arm strength has jumped out.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) May 17, 2021
As for the deep shots: "We can't give away too much. But it's gonna be fun."
While Hilton battled a few small-scale injuries last year, he only missed one week of action. It would’ve been nice to see his production reflect that, but Indy went run heavy and a 39-year-old Philip Rivers did anything but accentuate the dynamic WR’s strengths.
Given that Wentz is one of the most physically gifted QBs the league has to offer, we could see Hilton return to the stud he was throughout Luck’s tenure under center.
