Why Tyreek Hill Will Be Non-Factor in Revenge Game vs. Chiefs in Week 9
By Joe Summers
Tyreek Hill's first game against the Chiefs since the 2021 trade sending him to the Dolphins has been discussed heavily this week, but one under-the-radar factor has been ignored.
The "Cheetah" may quite literally be on pace for the greatest single-season wide receiver production in NFL history, though what does L'Jarius Sneed say to the god of death?
Not today.
Here's why Tyreek won't make a major impact in Week 9:
Why Tyreek Hill Will Be Non-Factor in Revenge Game vs. Chiefs
The Chiefs have been perhaps the best team in the entire NFL at defending No. 1 wide receivers, largely due to L'Jarius Sneed's sensational play.
The Chiefs’ secondary, particularly L’Jarius Sneed, did a phenomenal job getting physical with Justin Jefferson. They contained the league’s best receiver (before his late-game injury). pic.twitter.com/Cy0FU6OFqv
— Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) October 9, 2023
Let's take a look at each Chiefs' opponent's leading receiver, their respective performances against Kansas City, and their average per game production in every other game this year:
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: 6 catches-71 yards-1 TD (8.5-99-0.5)
- Calvin Ridley: 2-32-0 (4.4-59.9-0.3)
- DJ Moore: 3-41-1 (5.9-92.9-0.7)
- Garrett Wilson: 9-60-0 (5-68.2-0.3)
- Justin Jefferson: 3-28-0 (8.3-135-0.8)
- Courtland Sutton: 4-46-1 (4.5-38.3-0.7)
- Keenan Allen: 4-55-0 (8.3-98-0.7)
- Courtland Sutton: 2-29-1 (4.5-38.3-0.7)
Outside of Courtland Sutton in the games against the Broncos, the Chiefs' defense smothered each opponent's leading receiver.
Not one star had a great game, while Justin Jefferson (though he was injured at the end) and Keenan Allen were virtual non-factors despite being two of the most productive players in the league otherwise.
L’Jarius Sneed allowed a short early completion to Jags star WR Calvin Ridley, but immediately wrangled him. Ridley starts yapping and Sneed doesn’t back down, letting him know it will be a long day. SPOILER ALERT: It was a long day — only 2 catches for 32 yards. pic.twitter.com/iKR99nsaRa
— Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) September 19, 2023
Sneed has covered each No. 1 receiver a majority of the time and he happens to be the only member of Kansas City's defense that has experience guarding Tyreek Hill in practice.
The Dolphins are just 2-6 in their last eight games away from home. Their offense struggles when not in the friendly, warm confines of Miami and the Chiefs are ready to pounce.
Tyreek is averaging nearly eight catches and over 126 yards per game. In the Dolphins' last three matchups away from home, he averaged just over six catches and 62 yards per contest. Miami lost the previous two 31-17 to the Eagles and 48-20 against the Bills.
When the Dolphins face good defenses and Tua Tagovailoa isn't comfortable, Tyreek struggles to hit his numbers. That's exactly what'll happen in Week 9 thanks to Sneed and a smothering Chiefs defense.
Grab your popcorn and get ready to watch this defense work.
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