The Miami Dolphins' were one of the worst teams in the NFL on third and short in 2024, and receiver Tyreek Hill has a solution.
Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Offers Blunt Solution to Miami's Short-Yardage Woes originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Miami Dolphins severely struggled on third downs in 2024, and more specifically, on third down and short. The Dolphins converted just 36.3 percent of their third downs, landing them at 25th in the NFL in the category.
When it came to converting a first down with 1-3 yards to go, the Dolphins converted just over 50 percent of the time, whether through the air or on the ground, on third down or on fourth down. When running the ball in particular, Miami was 17-32 on third down and 1-4 on fourth down.
In short-yardage situations, barely converting at 50 percent is unacceptable and needs to improve in 2025 if the Dolphins want to find success on offense.
When asked after practice on Friday how to improve this, Dolphins' receiver Tyreek Hill gave a rather blunt answer that may surprise some, and then explained his reasoning.
🎥 Tyreek Hill on how the Dolphins can solve their short yardage woes in the run game: "Take [Achane] out on 3rd-down. That's my honest opinion. If it's 3rd-and-short, he's not a power back... If I'm being honest, that's why you got Jaylen Wright." (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUppic.twitter.com/mYxKPUkVHO
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 1, 2025
"Take De'Von [Achane] out on third down," Hill said. "What? You wanted -- that's my honest opinion. If it's third and short, he's not a power back. I be telling him that in the locker room, but he swear he a power back. I love De'Von, though, but if I'm being honest, that's why you got Jaylen Wright, that's why you got Ollie Gordon, for those kinds of situations."
Hill may have a point. The strength of Achane's game is his speed and agility, while both Wright and the rookie Gordon are bigger, more powerful backs. In 2024, Achane converted just 6-12 short-yardage third downs, and only converted 44.1 percent of his short-yardage opportunities on any down. Meanwhile, despite the small sample size, Wright was 2-3 in short-yardage situations.
The Dolphins and Hill didn't end the 2024 season on great terms, but the star receiver has come into the offseason working on gaining his teammates' and coaches' trust back. Hill worked on himself this offseason, and his quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, even credited him for the progress he's seen.
Earning the trust and respect of his teammates will still take time, but it looks like Hill's doing what needs to be done. Maybe the Dolphins need to take a closer look at Hill's solution and let their depth at running back solve a major weakness from last year. After all, head coach Mike McDaniel has said Wright will get his chances to perform in 2025, and Gordon has impressed with his power in training camp.
Taking Achane off the field on third and short downs could be a big factor in Miami's offensive success this season, plus it would keep the No. 1 back fresh with more time to rest.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
