INDIANAPOLIS – They were two players who you felt like needed to get more involved.
Such a statement was especially true if the Colts want to achieve some of the goals they’ve set out here in 2020.
Nyheim Hines is unique with his jitterbug ability to impact via the run or catch in the open field.
Michael Pittman provides the body type that Philp Rivers loves (6-4, 223 pounds) and yet can do more than just be a possession receiver.
Both delivered in primetime on Thursday, helping the Colts to their biggest win of the season.
Hines, the birthday boy on Thursday turning 24 years old, received the snaps and the touches that should have been there 5 days ago.
The third-year spark rewarded the Colts coaching staff with 17 touches for 115 yards (12 carries for 70 yards, 1 touchdown; 5 catches for 45 yards, 1 touchdown).
“He just had a fire in his eye,” Reich said afterwards of Hines putting together best offensive outing in his 41-game career. “I can’t explain it. (Running backs coach Tom Rathman) came up to me on the sideline and said, ‘Nyheim is on fire. ‘I said, ‘Leave him in. We’ll give him a break when he needs a break, but let’s ride it.’
“(Hines) came out ready to play. He always comes ready to play but every now and then you get a little extra juice and Nyheim had that today.”
Back from injury now for a third game, Pittman had his breakout rookie performance.
The second-round pick caught 7 balls (8 targets) for 101 yards, and added a reverse for 21 yards.
“He looked explosive,” Reich said of Pittman “He looked like a beast with the football in his hands. We had a chance to get him going. He looked good on the reverse. He did what he needed to do today.”
At the start of the season, Hines and Pittman weren’t the first Colts skill players to hear their names called in fantasy football drafts.
But with injuries (Marlon Mack, Parris Campbell) and sluggish starts (T.Y. Hilton, Jonathan Taylor), the Colts have been looking for other skill guys to emerge and deliver.
On Thursday, it was No. 11 and No. 21 doing something the Colts hope they can bottle up well into the month of January.
