Tyreek Hill’s selfie backflip video highlights Dolphins’ win over Panthers

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 15: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a touchdown during the first half in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Hard Rock Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
By The Athletic Staff
Oct 15, 2023

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill left Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers with cramping after making a 47-yard reception in the third quarter but returned and snagged a couple more passes in his team’s 42-21 win. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Hill helped quarterback Tua Tagovailoa turn in an impressive first half in Sunday’s matchup with style — borrowing a cellphone in the end zone to film himself doing a backflip in celebration of Tagovailoa’s third touchdown pass of the half.
  • Hill scored his first, and Tagovailoa’s third, touchdown of the day on a 41-yard reception. He finished with 163 yards and the score on six catches.
  • The play capped a first half for the Dolphins QB who finished the second quarter with a passer rating of 142.6. He finished with 262 yards passing.
  • As for the clip of Hill’s celebration on the borrowed phone, it was posted to the NFL UK and deleted a few minutes later.

Tua, Mostert keep momentum going

Fantasy managers probably frowned once Dolphins rookie tailback De’Von Achane landed on injured reserve earlier this week after an electric start to his career. But Miami probably figured it still had one of the other top tailbacks in the league this season in its backfield with Raheem Mostert. And he didn’t let anyone down Sunday. Mostert popped off with 115 yards on 17 carries with two rushing TDs. He added a receiving TD as well. And Tagovailoa once again played like a top quarterback with 262 yards, three TDs and a 126.0 passer rating. Just keep the offensive train going. — Larry Holder, senior NFL writer

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No Fun League strikes again

Hill may have come up with one of the coolest TD celebrations in recent memory by taking the phone out the hands of a photographer in the back of the end zone and recording himself doing a backflip. It happened to be published quickly by the NFL UK X feed, but then deleted. I’m assuming the league will consider this Hill celebration as using a prop, which would bring a fine heading Hill’s way. Totally lame. — Holder

Hot start for Bryce

The Panthers jumped out to a 14-0 lead with a smart, efficient attack led by Bryce Young, who received strong protection early and made good decisions with the ball. The lead didn’t last. The Dolphins, the NFL’s No. 1 offense, rattled off 35 unanswered points before the Panthers victimized backup QB Mike White on a pick six. Still, it was a positive step for Young, who bounced back from his two-interception game at Detroit with a turnover-free day. Young completed 23 of 38 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown. Forced to play catch-up, Young faced more pressure late in the game and was sacked four times. — Joe Person, Carolina Panthers beat writer

Another big day by Thielen

The difference in speed and playmaking skills between the Dolphins’ receivers and Panthers’ wideouts was evident. That said, Adam Thielen continues to shine in his first season with Carolina. The 33-year-old caught 11 passes on 13 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. It was Thielen’s third game with 11 catches this season. And though Thielen might not be a true No. 1 receiver, it’s a little scary to think where Young — and the Panthers’ offense — would be without him. — Person

Will Panthers make changes at the bye?

At 0-6, Frank Reich is off to the worst start of any first-year coach in the Panthers’ history. With the Panthers entering their bye week, it would seem to be an opportune time to make staff changes, if that’s what Panthers owner David Tepper wants. Reich said last week he had not had any conversations with Tepper regarded to shaking up his staff. The schedule lightens up a bit after the bye for the NFL’s only remaining winless team. — Person

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Key stat

Mostert finished with his second game with at least three touchdowns scored. The other came earlier this season when he scored four times in a 70-20 win against the Broncos.

Required reading

(Photo: Rich Storry / Getty Images)

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