The Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season has witnessed multiple games where the underdog teams secured victories against the possible Super Bowl contenders. This week proved once again why no one can be labeled as favorite on the football field. The Miami Dolphins have been one of those unlucky teams to digest an upsetting loss from the bottom team of the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans.
Despite the 27-28 loss to the Titans in Week 14, the Dolphins are sitting atop the AFC East, and are very likely to secure a playoff run. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill played a crucial role this season on the Dolphins offensive side, and like many sports enthusiasts, five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also wants the Dolphins star to grab the MVP title this year.
Hopkins throws support behind Hill
Tyreek Hill has been tearing through the NFL, inching closer to shattering Calvin Johnson’s single season receiving record. Standing at 1,542 yards on 97 receptions with 12 touchdowns, his extraordinary performance has raised eyebrows of many fans and analysts, with many advocating for him to clinch the MVP title.
With 132 targets, a 15.9-yard average per catch, and 33.3% of the Dolphins red zone pass attempts aimed his way, the All-Pro star has become a powerhouse in his team’s offensive strategy. His contribution amounts to a staggering 24.5% of the franchise’s total touchdowns this season.
Days ago, Dallas Cowboys standout Micah Parsons threw his weight behind the Dolphins veteran to win the MVP title this season. On Monday night, Hopkins too joined the room by taking to social media to write that Hill should be recognized for his incredible production this season.
“…@cheetah for MVP, Give praise when it’s due,” he posted.
…@cheetah for MVP, Give praise when it’s due.
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) December 12, 2023
However, the history of the MVP award in the NFL presents a stark reality as quarterbacks overwhelmingly dominate this prestigious accolade. Since 1986, quarterbacks have been bestowed the MVP honor on all but nine occasions, which paints a clear picture of the award’s bias towards signal-callers.
Even in the 2023 NFL season, QBs are dominating the consensus betting odds, and Tyreek Hill has the fifth-best MVP odds at +1600. The Cowboys Dak Prescott (+150) and San Francisco 49ers Brock Purdy (+185), Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson (+475) and Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts (+675) are four QBs coming next above the speedy WR.
Even Hill himself acknowledged the improbable nature of winning the MVP title as a wide receiver as no one in this spot won this title. Instead, the receiver expresses a selfless desire for his signal-caller, Tua Tagovailoa, to secure the prestigious accolade.
Tyreek Hill battled ankle injury in Dolphins’ loss to Titans
Throughout the current NFL season, Tyreek Hill has faced a relentless battle with injuries. He exited the Dolphins vs Titans clash as well in the first quarter.
In what initially appeared to be a routine tackle, the WR encountered an unfortunate moment that ultimately resulted in an ankle injury during the first quarter of the game. CBS News reported his exit from the field, where he visibly struggled with discomfort, clutching his left leg in agony after an awkward landing.
Despite the obvious pain, the Dolphins veteran initially stood on the sidelines, hoping to rejoin the game. However, the severity of the injury demanded quick attention, and he underwent a brief assessment in the medical tent. The receiver returned to the sidelines sans helmet to attentively observe the unfolding game while battling the discomfort.
Hill, fueled by “MVP” chants from the home crowd, emerged from the tunnel, rejoining the action later than his teammates during the Dolphins offensive series in the third quarter.
And now, despite his ankle injury, Tyreek Hill has returned to the game. https://t.co/S7rejjsWPf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2023
Hill’s post-game reflections shed light on his mental resilience amidst physical adversity as he expressed the initial fear of a serious ankle injury, followed by a surge of adrenaline that allowed him to initially run off the field. However, he said the subsequent stiffness led him to a challenging decision-making moment.
“When it happened, my first reaction was ‘My ankle gone. Then my adrenaline kicked in, and I ran off the field. Then I sat for a while and it got stiff”, he said per NBC Miami.
The receiver revealed he made a conscious choice to push through, saying “I just made up my mind that it’s gonna hurt, it’s gonna suck tonight and tomorrow morning, but I just went back in the game.”
Despite operating under physical limitations, Tyreek Hill’s contribution remained significant. He reflected his determination to assist his team in any capacity possible before finishing the game with 61 yards on four catches, albeit the end was not good for the Dolphins.
