Getty Images Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill gashed the Buccaneers defense for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns in Week 12.
It has been nearly 26 months since Jalen Ramsey dismissed Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill as a “return specialist” ahead of their much-anticipated All-Pro matchup in 2018 — but “The Cheetah” never forgets.
After ripping apart the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ secondary to the tune of 269 yards and 3 touchdowns on 13 receptions, the two-time All-Pro wideout had a cheeky message for his haters (both past and present) when asked about his success against single coverage in Week 12.
“Obviously I’m a return specialist so I’m going to see a lot of single coverage.” — Tyreek Hill, who is on one in this postgame.
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Patrick Mahomes also recognized Tampa Bay’s unique decision to cover Hill one-on-one for much more of the game than Kansas City is typically accustomed to.
Mahomes on Hill: “It was man coverage with no one over the top, we don’t see that a lot.” Yeppp. #Chiefs
Both Hill and Mahomes got off to white-hot starts on Sunday evening, including connecting for 203 yards and two scores in the first quarter alone. With 210 yards in the first half, Hill tied a league record for the most first-half receiving yards since 1991. His 269 yards after the final whistle were the second-most in franchise history, as noted by Arrowhead Pride.
Andy Reid: I’d Put Hill ‘Against Anybody’
Despite Kansas City’s offensive firestorm and 17-0 first quarter lead, the defending Super Bowl champions still had to fend off a late-game comeback from Tom Brady and company. However, that didn’t stop Andy Reid from offering some healthy praise of the 26-year-old speedster and his entire offense.
During his post-game press conference, the Chiefs head coach cemented his trust in Hill as the team’s No. 1 option.
Reid on Tyreek’s big day: “I would put him against anybody. He’s been doing this all year.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the veteran coach said similar of his MVP quarterback just last week after a clutch game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With his dominant showing, Hill has now surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career, and the first time since 2018. Heading into Week 12, only three receivers had crossed 900 yards on the year, with Travis Kelce close behind at 896 yards. With 82 yards on Sunday, the league’s most productive tight end just missed joining Hill in the 2020 thousand-yard club.
Reid Provides Encouraging Postgame Injury Update
After the hard-fought win, Reid also shared new information on injuries suffered during the game. The coach’s initial update this week only included one player, linebacker Dorian O’Daniel.
“As far as the injuries, really it’s just Dorian O’Daniel,” Reid told reporters on Sunday night. “[He] has an ankle sprain and we’ll just see how he does by tomorrow.”
The 2018 third-round pick and special teams ace was knocked out of action in the first quarter after just three special teams snaps. He did not return to action despite being deemed questionable to take the field again.
Kansas City will provide further updates on Wednesday’s first Week 13 practice report ahead of the team’s divisional showdown versus the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs have won 10 consecutive matchups against the Broncos dating back to Week 2 of the 2015 season, including the last three by a combined score of 96-25.
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