Tyreek Hill’s impact on the field this season has been notably diminished, and the culprit seems to be more than just the Miami Dolphins‘ opponents. The star wide receiver, who has been a game-changing asset in the past, is finding himself limited, and it might be due to a decision made over a year ago.
Miami‘s quarterback situation has been rocky ever since Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during the Dolphins’ Week 2 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Considering his previous concussion history, the Dolphins have opted to be cautious with Tagovailoa’s return, which has opened the door for Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, and Snoop Huntley to step in. Unfortunately for Hill, the chemistry has just not been there. In two full games without Tagovailoa, Hill has only managed to secure seven catches for 63 yards, without a touchdown to his name-a massive drop in productivity for a player of his caliber. Unsurprisingly, Miami fell short in both contests.
On “First Take” this Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith blasted Hill for his fateful choice to leave the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2021 season. Hill, who had enjoyed an explosive partnership with Patrick Mahomes and flourished in Andy Reid’s offensive scheme, decided to move on to Miami. According to Smith, this choice may end up being one of the worst on-field decisions a player has ever made.
“Who made a bigger mistake leaving their old team than Tyreek Hill?” Smith questioned. “This could go down as one of the greatest mistakes ever for an NFL player. He left Kansas City, where he was catching passes from Mahomes, to go to Miami. And now, without Tua, what does he have? Who’s throwing him the ball?”
Hill was helping create a dynasty in Kansas City
Indeed, Hill’s time in Kansas City wasn’t without its triumphs. He earned a Super Bowl ring and secured a highly lucrative contract extension with Miami-achievements many NFL players would dream of. But even with these accolades, Smith suggested that Hill might be regretting his decision, especially considering his controversial statement comparing Tagovailoa to Mahomes early in his Miami stint-a comparison that has since been proven premature.
Now, with Tagovailoa‘s future uncertain, Hill seems to be struggling in Miami, far removed from the high-powered offense he was a part of in Kansas City. Smith may have taken a bold stance by calling Hill’s move an “all-time error,” but given the current state of affairs, it’s hard not to wonder whether the star receiver himself wishes he could hit the reset button on his decision to leave.