The Miami Dolphins welcome the defending Super Bowl Champions to Hard Rock Stadium that will feature the NFL’s top quarterback and one of its best wide receivers.
This tough Miami challenge sets the stage for one of the most exciting wide receiver matchups of the season when it pits the Dolphins’ DeVante Parker against Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill.
Parker’s Recent Play Earns Him New Contract
Parker has certainly had an underwhelming NFL career up until last season, but his 2019 campaign proved to be his best season to date. On Dec. 13, Parker earned himself a four-year $40 million dollar contract extension with the Dolphins, including $21.5 million dollars in guaranteed money and a $8 million dollar signing bonus.
Hill Edges Out Parker in Numbers Even in Shorter Pro Career
Parker puts his career numbers and talent to the table against Hill, whose speed has engulfed defenders for his entire career. In one season more than Hill, Parker trails Hill in receptions by 46, 281-235. Hill also outgains him in yards by nearly 700, 4,115-3,419 and almost doubles him in receiving touchdowns, 32-18.
Parker, Hill Have Same Expectations from 2019
Parker’s role remains the same as it has been the last couple of seasons, as he will lead the Dolphins receiving corps as their No. 1 wideout. If he can stay healthy like he did in 2019, his consistency should allow him to build off of his 2020 campaign.
Hill’s rise to the top in the NFL should not come as a surprise to any of us. He has taken apart nearly every team he has faced in his career up to this point. Hill without question will be QB Patrick Mahomes’ No. 1 WR and be his favorite receiver to throw to during games.
Dolphins Face Tough Road with AFC West
The Dolphins have a long road ahead of them this upcoming season as they are faced with the third toughest schedule in 2020. Their opponents finished with a combined record of 135-120-1 in 2019 and will have to take on the AFC West in a somewhat stacked division.
Chiefs Looking to Repeat as World Champs
Coming off their 31-20 Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the Chiefs are surely hoping to defend their title. The Chiefs are heading into the 2020 campaign as favorites to repeat as AFC West champions and with the speed on the outside the Chiefs have a good chance of doing just that. Hill fits anywhere on the field which makes him hard to stop. His versatility allows him to line up as a receiver, kick returner and as a punt returner.
Staying On the Field: Why Both Have Issues
A player’s health is the most important thing to take care of over the course of their career. If Parker can stay consistent with his health and show Miami’s front office a back-to-back complete season, there is no doubt that Parker can have huge numbers in 2020.
Most people have heard the news over the years of Hill’s off-field issues. While a standout player on the field, he has had his fair share of domestic violence issues, with one almost leading to termination from the league. He has pleaded guilty to domestic violence and spent three years in prison before turning professional and was investigated for alleged battery. In order to keep his talents showcased on the field, Hill needs to continue to stay out of off-field trouble.
Kendall Fuller’s Loss Hurts Ailing Chiefs Pass Defense
Over the last few seasons the Chiefs have not had a very good pass defense. After losing cornerback Kendall Fuller to the Washington Redskins after their Super Bowl run, this could be the one area of concern for Kansas City. Parker and company will be able to attack the secondary on the outside and he can simply expose the Chiefs by going after the new faces.
Hill to Outshine Parker
Hill helping the Chiefs in the matchup is an understatement. He will play multiple receiver positions on the field and will give man or zone defense fits. The Dolphins will only be able to plan so much to try and stop Hill, but without a speedy lockdown player or a collective zone plan, Miami has little chance.
While the speed in Hill will be hard to stop and both Parker and Hill will face double teaming from the defense during spurts in the game, Hill will have the better game of the two. Hill has a good supporting cast around him to take pressure off of him during games that will allow him to find the open field even easier.
Kayla Morton contributed to this article.
– Carl Mahler is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @C3Mahler Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
