Tyreek Hill, the star wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, has found a unique approach to gain an inside edge against his opponents: scouting them through the virtual world of “Madden.”
Speaking to reporters, Hill revealed his unconventional pre-game ritual, explaining how he analyzes his opponents’ Madden ratings and skills breakdown the night before a matchup.
“I feel like Madden has a good tell of how good players are,” Hill shared enthusiastically. “I just play Madden the night before and I go look at all their ratings. Let’s say, for instance, they have Steven Nelson and Derek Stingley Jr. [of the Texans] over there. Two phenomenal players by the way. I just get on Madden, I go to the EA rosters and then I scroll down to see what their awareness is, their speed is and their strength, and that’s how I get a good tell on them.”
Tyreek Hill says he doesn't watch film. Instead, he plays Madden the night before a game to check the ratings of the cornerbacks he'll be facing.
“I see their awareness, speed and strength – and that’s how I get a good tell on them.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2023
Hill’s method might be unorthodox, but it has yielded impressive results. Coming off a career-best season in 2022, his first year with the Dolphins, the 29-year-old receiver continued to excel, amassing 1,710 yards and seven touchdowns on 119 receptions.
How large of a role Madden played in that is debatable.
The first month of Hill’s upcoming season promises intriguing matchups for his unique scouting process. The Dolphins are set to face the Chargers, Patriots, Broncos, and Bills in the initial four weeks.
Assuming opposing defenses deploy their top cornerbacks against Hill, he will go head-to-head with J.C. Jackson of the Chargers in Week 1, rookie Christian Gonzalez of the Patriots in Week 2, Patrick Surtain II of the Broncos in Week 3, and Tre’Davious White of the Bills in Week 4.
For those curious about the virtual scouting results, here’s a breakdown of the Madden NFL 24 ratings for Hill’s early-season opponents:
J.C. Jackson (Chargers): Overall 82, Awareness 87, Speed 89, Strength 60.
Christian Gonzalez (Patriots): Overall 77, Awareness 68, Speed 93, Strength 59.
Patrick Surtain II (Broncos): Overall 94, Awareness 92, Speed 93, Strength 63.
Tre’Davious White (Bills): Overall 91, Awareness 92, Speed 91, Strength 75.
As for Hill himself, he boasts an impressive 98 overall rating and a Madden-best 99 overall speed.
What do you think of Hill’s unique “scouting” method?