INDIANAPOLIS — "Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games," former University of Miami wide receiver Santana Moss once said.
Sunday in the Indianapolis Colts' 38-10 win over the Tennessee Titans, Colts big-time wide receiver T.Y. Hilton had a huge game on the day in which the team inducted Moss' college teammate, Reggie Wayne, into its Ring of Honor.
Hilton caught all nine of his targets for 155 yards and scored two touchdowns — his second two-touchdown performance of the season, and his 30th career 100-yard game.
"So happy for him. He's just been such a great teammate and great leader," Colts head coach Frank Reich said about Hilton after the game. "Even though he's been contributing in a good way, the tight ends have been going crazy with all their touchdowns. It was just good for him to have this game. And it was well deserved, and he's just a great player."
Both of Hilton's touchdown had a little of his trademark flair to them. The first score was his first deep touchdown of the season — something fans have grown to know and love for the last seven years.
Midway through the second quarter, quarterback Andrew Luck uncorked a beauty downfield, perfectly into Hilton's arms as the receiver sprinted in stride. Hilton raced the remainder of the way to the end zone for the 68-yard score.
Hilton's second touchdown came in the third quarter, deep in Tennessee territory. Luck fired a pass over toward the right sideline into Hilton's grasp. With a defender in his immediate vicinity, Hilton froze as the defender flew past — just barely keeping his back foot in bounds — and balanced his way into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown, putting the Colts up, 31-3.
Hilton definitely felt Wayne's presence today.
"It's great to have former athletes come back," Hilton told reporters following the game. "You know, Reggie speaks for himself and I played with him and 12 (Luck) played with him, so just to have him out here – he broke us down today – it meant a lot."
Hilton had his biggest day of the season and made a little history in the process, as he tied Hall of Fame Colts receiver Marvin Harrison for the most 150-yard receiving games in franchise history (11). Hilton also moved into a tie with Jim Mutscheller for seventh place in team history in receiving touchdowns (40).
