Burks goes back to that third-and-goal and Hill, playing cornerback and setting the edge. There is Denver guard Ben Powers pulling and running back RJ Harvey jet sweeping to the edge, and there is Hill shoving off the block.
Wilson: "A hell of a play. I was running, but I don't think I could have got him if Dax didn't."
"If I didn't have my speed, that would have been a touchdown," Hill says. "He bounced out. He kind of had a step on me. I got him and made sure I didn't let go. I saw the guard pull. That's all she wrote. I stayed outside."
If that anticipation sounds very Mike Hilton of him, it's because it is. Hill admired his work in the same cornerbacks room the previous three years, and while he may be gone, Hilton is being watched. They routinely digest film of a couple of years ago as Hill still picks up bits from Iron Mike.
"It's good to have players like that in the locker room. Guys who have been there to show the way for other guys," Hill says. "He's a quick-witted guy in terms of instincts, knowing where to be at the right time. Anticipation. I felt like that was his best attribute as a player. Just his anticipation. Knowing where the football is going to be. He was one of the best in the league, and I feel like a great guy to keep looking up to as well."
Burks clicks on the first third down in Denver Monday night. Another third-and-two. Hill is on Nix's right in the slot. What Burks likes is Hill alerts the defense to a potential run as Denver deploys.
There is wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. going in motion away from Hil, but Hill sees the crack-toss blocks developing. He stays left, shoots the gap, beats the linemen to the spot, and forces Harvey wide so defensive end Joseph Ossai can stop him for no gain.
"He stops right there because he knows the toss play is about to happen," Burks says. "That's really good instincts. He's moving before the play develops. Not after the play. This play is made because of Dax."
If you want to see even better, Burks clicks into the next quarter and the Broncos facing a first-and-19. Hill is in the slot on Nix's right setting the edge when Nix flips a screen to Harvey in front of tight end Nate Adkins coming in motion. Adkins has all the momentum and looks about to bury Hill.
But Hill jackhammers his feet to make leverage disappear, spins out of the block, and smashes into Harvey for a two-yard gain.
"Spectacular play. Spectacular," Burks says. "Just the way he's able to torque himself, stay balanced, and be violent."
Which is exactly the kind of game it's going to be Sunday against Lions head coach Dan Campbell's marauders from the NFC North.
A year later, it's a Dax Hil game.
"We have to be in the box, too," Hill says. "They'll be in (multi-tight ends). They'll be in some (three-receiver sets) and their receivers get downfield and block. No. 14 (Amon-Ra St. Brown) blocks. He'll try to knock us out of gaps. Nickels are heavily involved in games like this."
Burks turns off the clicker and leans back, one year later.
"Dax's game," he says.