Win Probability Added: +44.10
NEP: +5.35
When Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and quarterback Andrew Luck get going in rhythm, they create a natural flow of the game that rivals even the rolling peaks of the Appalachian Mountains in majesty. It’s been a while since we’ve seen that kind of connection between these two -- going back to last season, before Luck’s shoulder injury -- but we caught a glimpse of it again on Sunday afternoon.
With just 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, down by two points and in their own territory, Hilton lined up in the right slot. Luck had a three-receiver set in shotgun and was likely looking to just hit a 10-yard pass and keep the chains moving. Hilton took a slow jump off the line, feeling out the off-man coverage by San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett, and then burst into a short skinny post between Verrett and safety Dexter McCoil.
Luck threaded the pass right between the defenders, and Hilton simultaneously held on for the catch and spun off the flying McCoil’s tackle. From there, it was a simple footrace against the Chargers’ defense into the end zone for the Colts’ go-ahead, game-winning score.