The Miami Dolphins’ offense dropped off in 2024. Some of it is attributed to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing time with a concussion, but they also struggled in short-yardage situations. They went 17-for-32 when running on third down with 1-3 yards to go, and just 1-4 on fourth and short.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill never shies away from letting people know what he thinks. So it should come as no surprise that the mercurial wide receiver is asked his thoughts on how his coaches manage game situations.
What’s Tyreek Hill’s Issue With Mike McDaniel’s Rotations?
Hill didn’t hold back when asked about the day’s practice and how the Dolphins could improve their short-yardage plays.
“Take (Achane) out on third down. That’s my honest opinion,” Hill said. “If it’s third and short, he’s not a power back. I’ve been telling him in the locker room, but he swears he’s a power back. I love De’Von, but if I’m being honest, that’s why you got Jaylen Wright; That’s why you got Ollie Gordon. For those kind of situations.”
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel contradicted Hill’s take and explained that the Dolphins have been rotating Wright and Gordon in short-yardage situations in camp.
Tyreek Hill was outspoken today on one thing Mike McDaniel needs to do to improve the Dolphins’ efficiency in short-yardage situations.
He said stop sending De’Von Achane out there on third-and-short. https://t.co/Q2JJu7LFDo pic.twitter.com/4n78DErWHP
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 1, 2025
“I thought it was genius reporting by Tyreek, seeing how we had a short-yardage period that very day,” McDaniel cracked before setting the record straight. “His suggestion was, I guess, congruent with Coach (Eric) Studesville. That’s exactly how we rep the backs in that short-yardage period every day.”
Mike McDaniel didn’t seem entirely pleased that Tyreek Hill went this route with his answer — on a day when the Dolphins practiced exactly what he was saying.
(Miami Dolphins) https://t.co/K9e4tRRdIr pic.twitter.com/DC0S4dz38u
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 3, 2025
So, maybe Hill is referring to the rotation from last year?
Still, 2025 is a pivotal year for the Dolphins. Since hiring McDaniel in 2022, they’ve gone 28-23 with two playoff appearances (0-2). Most of the team’s problems have stemmed from injuries, primarily the concussions suffered by Tagovailoa. But 2024 was especially difficult because of the drives being killed on third and short.
However, Hill has acknowledged his need to be better on third down himself.
“I think the most important thing is being available for my quarterback on third downs,” Hill told NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe and Brian Baldinger. “23 was a great year, but if you look at most of my receptions, they came on first down, second down. Not being able to be a quality receiver on third down and getting open on short routes, so I’ve been crafting my game all offseason, working on fundamentals, working on different techniques so I can get open.”
🎥 Tyreek Hill believes he needs to be better on 3rd-down to help Tua: “I think the most important thing is, being available for my QB on 3rd downs. 2023 was a great year, but if you look at most of my receptions they came on 1st down, 2nd down.” (@nflnetwork) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/spdSZOQ6a5
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 2, 2025
If the Dolphins can clean up their problems on third down, it could go a long way toward getting them back to the form they showed in 2022 and 2023.
