Dolphins' struggle in close-range situations may find resolution through Tyreek Hill's proposal to Mike McDaniel: remove De'Von Achane from the equation.
The Miami Dolphins struggled on third downs in the 2024 season, ranking 25th in the league with a conversion rate of 36.3%. In an attempt to improve, Tyreek Hill, a player for the Dolphins, has suggested a bold move: benching running back De'Von Achane in short-yardage situations.
Hill's reasoning is that Achane, who stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs 188 pounds, is not the ideal player for these tough yardage scenarios. He believes that Jaylen Wright, who is bigger at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, would be a better choice.
During practice, Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Wright was being used in short-yardage plays, but he did not appreciate Hill revealing team strategy to the media. Hill's suggestion reflects his candid opinion on improving the Dolphins' offense on third downs by opting for a more physically suitable back than Achane in those moments.
In the previous year, Achane converted 6 out of 12 third downs, according to Pro Football Reference. However, his conversion rate in short yardage situations (on any down) was only 44.1%. This is in contrast to Wright, who converted all three of his short yardage carries last season and was 2-for-3 in converting his limited opportunities into first downs.
The Dolphins were not very successful in converting third downs with 1-3 yards to go when running the ball, with a success rate of 53.1%. The team was also 1-for-4 on 4th and short (1-3 yards) when running the football in 2024.
Hill's latest suggestion on third down personnel might be the blunt analysis the Dolphins need to listen to. Hill has been unafraid of speaking his mind recently in Miami, but is still working to repair some of the relationships strained by his "I'm out" comments.
References:
- NFL.com
- ESPN.com
- Pro Football Reference
- Miami Herald
- Tyreek Hill's suggestion to bench De'Von Achane in short-yardage situations, due to his smaller stature, could potentially improve the Miami Dolphins' third down conversions in the upcoming NFL season.
- Thestatistics from the previous NFL season showed that De'Von Achane had a lower conversion rate in short yardage situations compared to Jaylen Wright, which aligns with Hill's argument.
- According to Coach Mike McDaniel, Jaylen Wright has been utilized in short-yardage plays during practice, a move that potentially stems from Hill's candid opinion on improving the team's offense.
- With the upcoming season of American football (NFL) approaching, the Dolphins will need to address their struggles on third down conversions, a challenge that could be alleviated by strategic personnel decisions, as suggested byTyreek Hill.
