FRISCO, Texas (AP) — TY Hilton took time to settle down in free agency in Dallas after a decade of receiver experience at Indianapolis.
The 33-year-old wasted little time to impress the Cowboys on his first catch from Dak Prescott Players with 52 yards at third and 30 in last week’s 40-34 victory over Philadelphia.
A fourth-quarter game-changing grab that Dallas is trailing by a touchdown could hasten the process of acclimating the speedy receiver to the Cowboys as the playoffs loom.
“Ever since I signed here, coaches have been telling me they’re going to take it slow and do a pitch count,” Hilton said. Whenever I can, I’m ready.”
Hilton debuts in Dallas 12 days after signatureattended their first game in Jacksonville before playing against the Eagles on Christmas Eve.
It’s safe to say that Hilton’s first catch in Dallas prevented Philadelphia from earning the top seed in the NFC. Because it triggered his 13-0 finish for the Cowboys late in the fourth quarter.
The win keeps the defending NFC East champion Cowboys (11-4) alive in the division race to visit Tennessee (7-8) on Thursday night. By doing so, you can win bye-byes and divisions.
So far, the 52-yarder caught in the goal route was Hilton’s only catch and one of his 12 plays. Both of these numbers should probably go up soon.
“Trust me,” Prescott said of what his initial connection with Hilton meant. “Some people say it might be dangerous in a way. But the guy that’s out there can make that play and he just knows if he makes that play or it’s going to be imperfect. And I have that confidence.”
After accumulating 53 touchdowns and 9,743 yards in four Pro Bowls with the Colts, Hilton planned to sign with the team for training camp.
When that didn’t happen, Hilton slowed things down to spend time with his family and wait for the right opportunity.
to the cowboys Attract the attention of free agent Odell Beckham Jr.won the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams last February and tore his ACL. Hilton signed within days of Beckham’s visit to Dallas ending without a deal.
Commenting on Hilton’s debut, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said: “His experience, his speed, turning around and making that play, that’s exactly what he thought he’d get the chance to do. He adds a dimension to this and expands it a little bit more.”
Hilton adds dimension to Tennessee’s game as the Titans’ former AFC South longtime opponent. Suffice it to say that both sides share information with rare opponents in a short week.
Tennessee safety Kevin Byard said, “It definitely helps in getting ready, but it doesn’t help that he’s still an explosive receiver and can go out and catch bombs.” I know what it can do.”
Byard mentioned No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has four 100-yard games in the last seven years in his first season, as Prescott’s top target.
Lamb had two touchdowns against the Eagles, and Michael Gallup’s toe-tapping sideline catch in the end zone was also a big play. Both could benefit from Hilton’s larger role.
“You believe anyone who says this is what he’s going to do because he’s come forward and proven it,” Prescott said. , just a veteran who knows football and has been around.”
Notes: LB Micah Parsons was listed with restrictions due to a right hand injury at Tuesday’s walkthrough practice. His hand was wrapped, but Parsons said he had no broken bones, and fresh off his first Pro Bowl, RB Tony Pollard missed practice with a thigh injury. He said he expects Pollard to play.
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AP Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed from Nashville, Tennessee.
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