When Tua Tagovailoa released a touchdown pass towards Tyreek Hill on Sunday, the trajectory wasn’t picture-perfect.
Hill had to adjust his course, scrambling to meet the floating ball in the air for the touchdown. Initially, this pass seemed like a weak throw from Tagovailoa.
However, as the dust settled and the play dissected, it dawned quickly that Hill was the one who had taken the wrong route.
Still under the impression of a poorly executed pass by Tagovailoa, Hill confronted the quarterback during their on-field celebration.
As documented on Hard Knocks, right after crossing into the end zone, Hill prompted Tagovailoa with a question “Why was the pass more challenging than it needed to be?”
“What kind of throw was that? Don’t do that again,” Hill said to Tagovailoa.
Tyreek Hill thought Tua Tagovailoa made a bad throw on TD, until getting another look. https://t.co/z18iooGOs0
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 6, 2023
As Hill and Tagovailoa returned to the sidelines, they were met by the Dolphins’ coaches, who reviewed the playback of that touchdown pass.
The players huddled around the technology, probably just as curious as Hill about the seemingly poor pass.
Unfolding before them was the revelation that Hill was the guilty one who had strayed off the intended course.
It took the digital report for Hill to acknowledge his miscalculation. He had misinterpreted the planned route, running to a location different from where Tagovailoa aimed.
This misstep was why he found himself sprinting to adjust his path and secure the touchdown.
“That’s perfect. You know what? I’m wrong, bro. I can admit when I’m wrong,” Hill told Tagovailoa.
Not any player could have pulled off what Hill did. Speed made the difference. Hill’s exceptional athleticism means he is one of the few who can claim to outrun a mistake.
His rapid reflexes allowed him to rectify his route, get to the predetermined location, all while ensuring he wasn’t overtaken and the ball kept safe.
