https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2023/11/05/how-the-kansas-city-chiefs-limited-tyreek-hill/?sh=454a67092bc0
In a recent game, the Kansas City Chiefs managed to limit Tyreek Hill, the former star receiver for their team who now plays for the Miami Dolphins. Hill had been enjoying an outstanding season leading the NFL in total yards and receiving touchdowns and was on pace to potentially break the 2,000 receiving yards mark.
However, the Chiefs’ defense successfully contained Hill, holding him to just eight catches for 62 yards and preventing him from scoring any touchdowns. The Dolphins attempted to use various strategies to get Hill involved, such as moving him around the field and deploying him in different positions, including the slot, both sides of the line, and in motion.
Chiefs cornerback LaJarius Sneed played a crucial role in limiting Hill’s impact on the game. Sneed shadowed Hill throughout the game, except when Hill lined up in the slot, even then, he was positioned to help the slot corner Trent McDuffie.
Sneed, who had previous experience playing with and against Hill, utilized his familiarity with Hill’s game to not only cover him effectively but also to advise his fellow defensive backs on countering Hill’s remarkable speed.
To combat Hill’s speed and agility, the Chiefs’ defense focused on being physical with him, attempting to get hands on him and disrupt his routes. Josh Williams, another Chiefs cornerback, praised Sneed for his excellent job in executing this strategy.
While Hill did manage to make some plays, including a 19-yard catch that put the Dolphins in a scoring position, he was also responsible for a pivotal moment in the game. During a lateral pass attempt, the Chiefs’ McDuffie forced a fumble, which was subsequently recovered by Mike Edwards and pitched to Bryan Cook for a 59-yard touchdown return.
Tyreek Hill had joined the Miami Dolphins before the 2022 NFL season following a trade with the Chiefs. The trade involved multiple draft picks, and Hill signed a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract with Miami, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt expressed that the trade benefited both parties, as the Chiefs acquired valuable draft capital that they used to improve their defense. As a result, the Chiefs’ defense has become younger and faster, which proved effective in limiting Hill’s performance during the game.
After the game, Tyreek Hill engaged in a postgame jersey swap, although it was with wide receiver Mecole Hardman instead of Travis Kelce, who expressed his love and missed Hill.
Hardman revealed that the jersey swap had been planned in advance and hinted at the possibility of a rematch in the future. The game ended with the Chiefs securing a 21-14 victory against the Dolphins.