Tyreek Hill stirred tension within the Miami Dolphins after publicly suggesting teammate De’Von Achane should be sidelined during crucial third-and-short plays. Hill conveyed his opinion during a media session on Friday, aiming to share his thoughts about the offense and leadership dynamic for the upcoming season while spotlighting Achane’s limitations.
During his interaction with reporters, Hill explained his view directly on Achane’s role, emphasizing the need for more powerful running backs in those moments. Hill stated,
“Take (Achane) out on 3rd-down. That’s my honest opinion. If it’s third-and-short, he’s not a power back. I’ve been telling him that in the locker room… I love De’Von, but If I’m being honest, that’s why you got Jaylen Wright, that’s why you got Ollie Gordon.”
Achane’s Reaction and Past Performance
De’Von Achane responded to Hill’s comments with a lighthearted tone on social media, writing, “That’s how you feel,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. Despite the critique, Achane’s track record from last season demonstrates respectable production with 907 rushing yards and six touchdowns over 203 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt.
However, the Dolphins’ run game overall underperformed, averaging just 105.6 rushing yards per game last year. Achane’s struggles on third-and-short situations may partly justify Hill’s comments, yet many view the public critique as unnecessary and potentially disruptive to team chemistry.
Examining Hill’s Own Challenges and Team Dynamics
Hill’s comments come amid his own disappointing season. Last year, he recorded 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns, marking his lowest output since 2019 when injuries limited his play. The Dolphins’ offense as a whole struggled, compounded by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing time due to a concussion, which left the team disorganized and vulnerable to opposing defenses.
Hill himself acknowledged the need to improve as a leader. His willingness to openly criticize a teammate in the media adds stress as Miami prepares for the new campaign, especially given the already shaky offensive foundation.
The Impact of Internal Friction on Miami’s Outlook
The tension created by Hill’s remarks raises concerns about the Dolphins’ locker room atmosphere during training camp. Publicly calling out a teammate risks fracturing trust among players who must rely on each other to succeed. How the Dolphins manage this internal dispute will be crucial for their ability to develop a cohesive offense moving forward.
As the season approaches, the team will hope Achane doesn’t take Hill’s comments personally in a way that might disrupt their preparation or performance. Miami’s coaching staff may need to address these issues carefully to maintain focus and unity on the field.