When the Miami Dolphins acquired superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill in a blockbuster trade in 2022, expectations soared in South Florida. The man nicknamed “Cheetah” for his blazing speed was supposed to take the Dolphins’ offense to new heights. And for two seasons, he delivered, posting gaudy numbers and earning All-Pro honors. But in 2024, something has gone awry. Nine games into the season, Hill is on pace for his least productive year since his rookie campaign way back in 2016.
A Season of Struggles
Through nine weeks, Hill has hauled in just 34 catches for 441 yards – numbers that project to 949 yards over a full 17-game slate. That would be his lowest yardage total since 2019 when he missed four games due to injury. It’s a precipitous drop-off for a player who led the NFL in receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, including a career-high 1,799 yards in 2023.
So what’s behind this stunning decline? There are a few key factors at play:
Tua’s Injury Woes
The biggest issue has been the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion in Week 2 and missed the next four games. In Tua’s stead, the Dolphins’ offense sputtered, ranking dead last in QBR and yards per dropback. Without his top quarterback slinging him the ball, Hill managed just 14 catches for 140 yards over that four-game stretch – the worst month of his illustrious career.
With you [the reporter] at quarterback, I can still put up numbers.
– Tyreek Hill, joking in 2022 about producing without Tua
Those words have proven prophetic, as Hill has learned the hard way that even he needs a competent signal-caller to thrive. The connection he’s built with Tua is essential to his success.
A More Balanced Attack
Even with Tua back in the lineup the past two weeks, Hill’s numbers have been muted compared to his lofty standards. One reason is that new head coach Mike McDaniel has implemented a more balanced offensive approach, emphasizing the running game more than in past seasons. The Dolphins rank third in rushing yards per game since Week 5.
That commitment to the ground attack has meant fewer targets for Hill and fellow star wideout Jaylen Waddle. McDaniel has praised the duo’s willingness to contribute as blockers, even if it means sacrificing their own stats.
Block.
– Jaylen Waddle’s one-word response when asked how receivers can make an impact in the new offense
Defenses Adjusting
Opposing defenses have also made a concerted effort to limit Hill’s game-breaking ability. The speedster has commanded constant double-teams, with safeties shading his way to prevent the deep ball. Miami has faced two-high safety looks on a league-leading 161 snaps.
While this is nothing new for Hill, who has been the focal point of defensive game plans his entire career, it has stifled the Fins’ passing attack as a whole. Miami ranks just 24th in passing yards per game and explosive pass plays. If defenses don’t have to respect the deep threat, the offense loses its teeth.
A Tough Road Ahead
Unfortunately for Hill and the Dolphins, the schedule doesn’t get any easier. Five of their remaining eight games come against teams currently in playoff position, including two meetings with the vaunted Bills defense. With a receiving corps that now features Odell Beckham Jr alongside Hill and Waddle, targets could be even harder to come by.
Hill also suffered a wrist injury in the Week 9 loss to Buffalo that held him out of practice and leaves his status for Week 10 in doubt. At age 29 and with his blazing speed so crucial to his success, any injury is concerning.
Reason for Optimism
Despite all the obstacles, counting out a talent like Hill is foolish. Even in a “down” year, he remains on pace for over 1,100 yards. His game-breaking ability is still there, as evidenced by his 5 catches of 20+ yards the past two weeks with Tua back under center.
Hill has also embraced his new role as a leader and mentor for the Dolphins’ young receiving corps. Coaches have raved about his work ethic and willingness to do the little things to help the team win. That veteran presence could prove invaluable down the stretch.
This process is hard, bro. Losing sucks. But I’m going to control what I can control.
– Tyreek Hill on dealing with the Dolphins’ 2-6 start
The Bottom Line
No one expected Tyreek Hill to struggle like this in 2024, himself included. The confluence of injuries, scheme changes, and defensive adjustments have made this his toughest season yet. But if anyone can overcome those hurdles, it’s the Cheetah. With Tua back in the fold and the team desperate for a spark, Hill will have every opportunity to salvage his season and remind the football world just how special he is. Write him off at your own peril.
