Mike Hilton

I know this is kind of random but I just wanted to see if anyone else notices this. I haven't been as active on the forums lately or following NFL as closely as years past so I am not sure on how you guys feel about Mike Hilton or if he just isn't talked about much but as a slot defender/nickelback, it seems to me this guy is ALWAYS near the ball or where the play is happening. Commonly getting a hit in on ball carrier or nearby to break up a pass.... if there is a fumble he seems to be right on top of it, as well as puts himself in a good position to ball hawk. Do I just happen to be paying extra attention to him for whatever reason and not noticing his downfalls or do others agree this guy may be a dangerous weapon for us going forward?

 

It is not just you. Lots of people have been paying attention to him for years now. He is finally getting his due in the national spotlight within the past two years. Hopefully the team can lock him up long term.



I do not think there is a more capable nor valuable Slot Corner/Nickel in Football than Mike Hilton. Desmond King maybe the closest second but I believe the difference in terms of performance is greater now than it was a year ago.

 

He’s definitely made some impact plays

 

I hope his name is praised on high this Sunday.

 

Hilton = badass

So underrated. Glad he is finally getting some recognition.

 

I generally only notice him on edge blitzes... probably because he's isolated and easier to take note of. i'll have to start paying attention to where he is on pass coverage.

 

Before this season I was not the least bit impressed with Hilton and his coverage ability. He was a one trick pony on blitz. But based on the comments above, either he has gotten better or I was mistaken. Time for my old eyes to pay attention.

 

Agreed heinz. We drafted the wrong guy from ole miss. I sure wish we could keep him next year some how.

 

I have noticed he is in on alot of plays. His speed gets him to where he needs to be .. For a smaller kinda dude he is scrappy. You are right. He is always around the ball.. Likely will see him with a couple of picks before the season is open.

 

I think this is his last season in Pittsburgh.

 

He is one of the best I’ve seen at timing those corner blitz’s. That’s the key on that play timing is everything otherwise it’s just a wasted guy out of position. Like JEH said I’ve never been overwhelmed by his coverage skills but perhaps he has improved the last 2 years. Solid tackler as well

 

my favorite Steeler. All I need to say!

 

As much as I like Hilton, he did not play well at all today. He had a chance to stiff Sanders at the line on the long touchdown run but whiffed badly. Much of Fulgham's damage came against Hilton.

 

Hate to do it, but I totally agree. If you go back and watch him, he is almost always in trail. His speed lets him recover, but being out of position and short, he simply does not contest many passes. His corner blitzes are nice splash plays, but that's not what he's primarily on the field for. And that doesn't make up for his lack of production in the secondary.

 

If our secondary didn't have to cover or tackle, they would be the best unit in football. They do everything else wonderfully!

I mean, did you see how amazing they were running to the endzone for selfies after intercepting a 50 yard bomb on 4th down?

 

Even with Goodell, refs, Butlers schemes and o-line injuries... for some reason those defense selfies celebrations is by far the most irritating thing in football today

 

Yup. I'm old school (and just old). Act like you've done it before. Do your job and shut up about it. I know it's the "me" era. Nothing changing that. There's also pointing to the endzone and signaling a 1st down when you just gained 6 yards about does me in.

 

Fulgham lit up everyone .......... but Hilton especially ............. and Hilton also wiffed at the LOS on Sanders big run.

Fitzpatrick has got to tackle instead of spearing the ball carrier.

 

Firzpatrick is now the worst tackler on the team. He dosen't ever wrap to tackle. He is actually a liability in tackling and covering, something is wrong here.

 

I hate to say something is wrong with Fitz. Yes he damn sure needs to "tackle" but I just don't know enough about secondary coverage to say he can't cover, plus, we know the defensive schemes thus far have focused on the run game which makes the secondary look artificially bad sometimes.

If I were knowledgeable enough to watch film and point out weaknesses, versus bend-don't-break schemes, I might be able to render an opinion.........

 

Okay with what you are saying about schemes, but the tackling is there for all to see. He just spears at the runner and never wraps. Troy would do the same sometimes for he was more effective at it cause he would drive into the carrier. Fitz just lunges and misses and doesn't have enough force behind him. You can't have this as a last resort safety tackler.

 

Eagles game was definitely Hilton's worst game as a Steeler. I hope he bounces back next week vs. Browns and following week vs. Ravens.

 

We had these same issues last season as well. DB's in trail, missed assignments, not being able to pass off receivers properly, poor technique, and just simply sloppy play. Ike Taylor made me so angry sometimes, and his hands were bricks. But now I'm missing him. He was a very good cover corner and was in position to make plays every game. He just couldn't catch to save his life. DB's are put on an island and will get beat sometimes. Even the very best aren't perfect. But this group only does two things well, catch and take selfies.

And for Minkah, he's playing on borrowed time if he keeps spearing the bigger receivers. Troy was much better at it...and was often hurt because of it.

 

Soooo, yesterday I paid attention to Hilton. I’m still not impressed.