INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s status for the Monday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Rams was uncertain. However, not only did he play, but Hill also ended his longest touchdown drought of his NFL career in the Dolphins’ 23-15 victory.
Known for his explosive plays, Hill crossed into the end zone on a 1-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa during the third quarter, expanding Miami’s lead to 17-6. Hill had gone seven games without scoring since his touchdown in the season opener against Jacksonville, where he also achieved a season-high 130 yards on seven receptions.
“I didn’t know that, which is crazy, man,” Hill remarked. “Yeah, it’s a blessing to be back in the end zone. Man, I’m grateful to be part of this team. However I can help this team, I’m all for winning. It don’t matter about me scoring, man. It’s about winning. It’s the importance of being able to do something special with these guys.”
Hill had been listed as questionable due to a torn ligament in his wrist. He missed two days of practice last week, and Tagovailoa stated that the team was unsure if Hill could play until Sunday night.
His fellow receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., however, expressed confidence in Hill’s participation.
“I mean, I don’t feel like he wasn’t gonna play, injury or not,” said Beckham. “Nah, there was no way he wasn’t gonna play on ‘Monday Night Football’ when we’re in a must-win situation. So just for him to do that, score, he knows how much he means to this team, so we appreciate him.”
Hill finished with three receptions for 16 yards. This marked his second lowest performance as a pass catcher this season, following his single catch for 8 yards against Indianapolis in Week 7. He also added 11 rushing yards on two carries.
This stat line failed to significantly impact what’s shaping up to be Hill’s least productive season since his rookie year with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. He now has 37 receptions for 462 yards and two touchdowns, a considerable dip from his previous seasons with Miami where he surpassed 1,700 yards each year. He initially spent six seasons with the Chiefs.
The 30-year-old Hill had achieved at least 1,200 receiving yards in each of the preceding four seasons. He led the NFL with 1,799 yards and 13 touchdown catches in 2023 and agreed to a restructured contract with greater guaranteed money in August.
Much of this season’s decline can be attributed to Tagovailoa’s extended absence due to a concussion. However, Tagovailoa said there was no resistance from Hill or Jaylen Waddle to attempt to recoup those lost yards since his return against Arizona in Week 8, especially facing a Rams defense that largely employed conservative pass coverages.
“Coming into this game, they could have easily said, like, ‘Dude, just continue to throw the ball even if they’re in a two-high shell,’” Tagovailoa explained. “But those guys are in it, man. They’re just in it to win it.”
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AP NFL:
Tyreek Hill Breaks Touchdown Drought in Dolphins’ 23-15 Victory Over Rams
A Thrilling Comeback Win for Miami
The Miami Dolphins secured a convincing 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, driven by a stellar defensive performance and a long-awaited touchdown from wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Hill’s drought-breaking score in the third quarter ignited the Dolphins’ offense, marking his first touchdown since Week 1. This breakthrough proved pivotal as Miami overcame early struggles and sealed their triumph over the Rams.
Hill’s Impact on the Game
Shattering the Scoring Silence
The excitement surrounding Hill’s arrival in Miami was palpable, but he had yet to find the end zone consistently. in the third quarter, he broke free for a touchdown, silencing skeptics and reminding everyone of his elite playmaking ability.
Momentum Shift & Offensive Spark
Hill’s touchdown wasn’t just about breaking the drought; it injected new life into the Dolphins’ offense. This pivotal score shifted the momentum in Miami’s favor, leading to a string of successful drives and ultimately securing the victory.
Defensive Dominance
Stifling the Rams’ Offense
While Hill’s touchdown was crucial, the Dolphins’ defense deserves immense credit for their suffocating performance. They consistently pressured Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, limiting his ability to find open receivers and keep drives alive.
Key Interceptions & Turnover Gains
The Dolphins’ secondary played a critical role in stifling the Rams. Multiple interceptions by Miami’s defenders disrupted Los Angeles’ rhythm and set up scoring opportunities for the Dolphins offense.
Looking Ahead: A Building Momentum
A Statement Victory
This win against a formidable opponent like the Rams sends a clear message about the Dolphins’ capabilities. They are a team capable of competing with the best in the league, and their performance on Sunday showcased their potential for greatness.
Key Takeaways from the Game:**
| Area of Focus | Dolphins Performance |
|---|---|
| Passing Attack | Effective when utilizing short, quick passes to create yards after catch. |
| Running Game | Found success with a balanced approach, integrating both power and speed plays. |
| Defense | Dominant performance with consistent pressure on the quarterback and key interceptions. |
| Special Teams | Solid contributions throughout the game, including timely tackles and field position advantages. |
