MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Tyreek Hill’s statistical performance has seen a significant decline this season.
As of now, the Miami Dolphins’ star wide receiver, who led the NFL in receiving yards in 2023, has registered 23 receptions for a total of 286 yards over five games.
This figure is markedly lower than the 651 yards he posted in the first five games of the previous season.
The decrease in his production can be linked to various factors, such as quarterback injuries and offensive errors, but Hill is opting not to blame anyone.
“I’m here for this team,” Hill expressed on Wednesday.
“I’m here for my brothers all day long. If I’m open, I’m not going to go to the sideline and point it out. We’re just going to fix it when we watch film together on the offense the next day.”
As they prepare for their Week 7 face-off against the Indianapolis Colts, Miami currently holds the lowest scoring offense in the NFL and ranks 26th in passing yards.
Hill’s performance has been inconsistent; prior to catching six passes for 69 yards against the Patriots in Week 5, he went three consecutive games without surpassing 50 receiving yards.
It has been since the season opener, where he recorded 130 yards and a touchdown, that Hill has not reached the 100-yard mark in a game.
In comparison, he had achieved four 100-yard receiving games by Week 7 in the previous year.
Since Week 2, the Dolphins have been without Tua Tagovailoa, who was the league’s passing leader last year, due to a concussion.
Tyler “Snoop” Huntley has stepped in for the last two games, while Skylar Thompson, the usual backup, got sidelined with a rib injury after Week 3.
Huntley has acknowledged the necessity to build a rapport with the speedy receivers on the team, including Hill, whom he missed several opportunities with in his debut game, a loss to the Titans.
During the recent bye week, Huntley dedicated time to enhance his footwork and grasp the complexities of head coach Mike McDaniel’s playbook.
In an effort to improve chemistry, he even brought some receivers back from their vacations for joint practice sessions.
“I didn’t really want to bother too many guys,” Huntley mentioned.
“The guys that were able to come back earlier were able to catch a few passes, and it was good.”
His teammates have shown support, commending his communication skills and determination in familiarizing himself with the offense.
“For being here for only a short time, he really came in and learned the offense,” receiver Jaylen Waddle noted.
“And not only learned the offense, but you’ve also got to learn new receivers and different players. It’s tough coming in — and then we’ve played some really good teams while he’s been (here). So just getting him used to throwing to us, timing, all these motions – he’s doing good, man, doing great.”
While there is hope that Tagovailoa will return this season, Hill maintains his confidence in any quarterback taking the helm.
He also emphasized that he doesn’t find it necessary to publicly criticize his quarterback over missed opportunities during games.
“I just tell him, ‘Hey man, let’s go. Keep going,’” Hill stated.
“That’s my mentality. I’ve always been like that. My parents raised me in a different shape and form. I know a lot of people try to compare me to (Antonio Brown) all the time, but I’ll never run off the field and ruin my paycheck like that. I’m smart at the end of the day. I’ve got kids to take care of.”
Hill added, “At the end of the day, the quarterback is almost like a kicker. If you say something to him, then you’re in his head and he’s like, oh I’ve got to find my guy. I don’t gotta do that. When it’s time, it’s time.”
When asked if he feels he’s performing at the same level as he did previously, Hill smiled.
“Cheetah’s going to be Cheetah,” he replied.