Cowboys: T.Y. Hilton keeps proving that signing him was the right move
The Dallas Cowboys picked up a huge win on Christmas Eve against the Philadelphia Eagles. A big reason why is the incredible 52-yard reception by newly acquired veteran wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, his first as a Cowboy. Hilton's impact in Dallas is going further than his production, though. Since arriving in Dallas, he's taken CeeDee […]
The Dallas Cowboys picked up a huge win on Christmas Eve against the Philadelphia Eagles. A big reason why is the incredible 52-yard reception by newly acquired veteran wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, his first as a Cowboy.
Hilton's impact in Dallas is going further than his production, though. Since arriving in Dallas, he's taken CeeDee Lamb, who made his second consecutive Pro Bowl, under his wing, and he's passing down information from a former All-Pro teammate during his days with Indianapolis Colts, Reggie Wayne.
"Just things that Reggie taught me when I was in CeeDee's shoes," said Hilton. " I got a chance to spend some knowledge on him about route-running, getting open, getting separation to help him turn it from a contested catch to a non-contested one, and building up his YAC."
Lamb had a monster game against the Eagles. He hauled in 10 receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns, his second consecutive outing going over the century mark. The highlight of Lamb's performance was his 36-yard score in which he did a timely spin move before crossing the goal line.
The groundwork for that Lamb's big day came earlier in the week at practice when Hilton gave him some valuable advice.
"Like on his touchdown against the Eagles, we had that similar play called in practice," Hilton said. "I told him to aim a little higher because it's easier to adjust back down than it is to adjust back up. He made that adjustment and he was able to score, getting that much more separation from the safety so he was able to spin and do what CeeDee does."
Hilton is in his 11th season so there's nothing he hasn't seen or doesn't know about playing wide receiver on the professional level. However, it's on younger guys, such as Lamb, to be willing to take knowledge from those who came before them.
Lamb hardly let the ink dry on Hilton's contract with the Cowboys before he let it be known that he was going to be a sponge around the four-time Pro Bowler.
"I don't know how long he's been doing it but I remember watching him with the Colts, bombing, taking a lot of things up top, Lamb said. "I kind of want him to bring that here and if I can pick his mind, I most definitely will."
The Cowboys are in the playoffs for the second straight season. They are hoping that they can get past the first round this time, and having a better-prepared Lamb, thanks to Hilton, will certainly aid in making that happen.
After all, iron sharpns iron.
Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
