TY Hilton is taking this Patriots game personally
Veteran wide receiver TY Hilton is doing his best to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a win on Saturday against the Patriots.
TY Hilton is the longest-tenured Indianapolis Colts player on the roster. In his 10 seasons, he has caught passes from Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Rivers, and Carson Wentz. He also has Indianapolis’ last 1,000-yard receiving season. One thing he hasn’t done is beat the New England Patriots.
Hilton is 0-5 against the rival New England squad, losing three regular-season games and two in the postseason. While many are looking at Saturday night’s matchup as a new chapter in the rivalry between the two franchises, Hilton is looking for a win to help heal the wounds developed in the past decade of the rivalry.
He has been honest with the media that not having a win against the Patriots bothers him and he has allowed that to fuel him during the team’s preparation for the week.
He’s also making sure that this motivation rubs off on his teammates who have yet to experience the rivalry or don’t quite understand the magnitude of Saturday’s game.
TY Hilton, who's 0-5 against Belichick and the Patriots in his career, says he can't remember a game vs. them in which he hasn't seen double coverage. No doubt this one means more to him.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 15, 2021
"I’m 0-fer against them. If anyone needs motivation, 13’s gonna give them some motivation."
Colts’ TY Hilton motivated to get first win against Patriots
Despite the Colts’ lack of success against New England, Hilton has played well in the matchups. In his five games against the Patriots, Hilton has 20 receptions for 337 yards and three touchdowns.
He knows that if Indianapolis wants to get over the hump, it’s going to take more. Especially on Saturday, against a New England team on a seven-game winning streak with the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL.
Hilton and the Colts’ offense are equipped to challenge them. Indy will enter the primetime matchup with the third-highest scoring offense this season, averaging 28.5 points a game. Unlike in years past, most of that production isn’t from Hilton.
Hilton has taken a backseat to the younger talent, recording just 15 receptions for 177 yards and one touchdown in six games. This offense has run through Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman Jr has been the Colts’ leading receiver.
Hilton, however, has still been an integral part of the team, especially his leadership. Additionally, his perseverance to be available and lead Indianapolis has a big chance of paying off this weekend. Hilton spoke about how he always gets double-covered vs the Patriots, but it’s unlikely that’s the case on Saturday.
New England will probably load the box in an effort to contain Taylor, and if the Pats defense is paying any receiver special attention, it will be Pittman. That means Hilton will have the opportunity to exploit one-on-one coverage and have a big game in hopes of getting the elusive victory over the Patriots.
Hilton hasn’t said it, but this game probably means a little more to him because it’s likely his last opportunity to get the win. He hasn’t made clear what his plans are following the season, but he will be a free agent and he has spoken publicly in the past about the idea of retirement.
Barring a playoff meeting, this may be Hilton’s last game against New England, and if the Colts didn’t already have enough incentive to go out and get a win, that definitely should be the needed motivation.
