Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) enters the field to take on the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
(Miami, FL) – The Dolphins finished 2023 as the 6th-best rushing offense in the NFL, headlined by the two-headed monster of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane.
The success of the 31 year-old Mostert and the relatively unknown rookie Achane was unprecedented heading into the season, but the duo put the league on watch in Week 3, combining for 375 yards and 8 total touchdowns in a 70-20 romp of Denver.
Achane was a pleasant surprise to anyone that had the top pick of the waiver wire. While he only played in 11 games, he led the NFL with a staggering 7.8 yards per carry. Head coach Mike McDaniel hasn’t stated outright who’s getting the ball in 2024, but provided some expectations through his praise.
When asked who would be getting the starting job to start the season, McDaniel said “I think that I have literally spent zero time trying to forecast that room because I recognize supreme competition when I see it, and the great news is instead of saying what I believe or forecast, I get to just watch and allow the players to determine all that for us.”
“…the whole group, pretty much led by Raheem, it is of quality and depth as good as I’ve been around – and I’ve been around a lot of good groups.”
Achane’s blazing speed provides the ultimate weapon for a coach that predicates his offense on doing things fast. “He [De’Von] had outstanding ball production, some of which I know he feels specifically that there’s more out there from the opportunities he had last year and then being able to find different ways to get people the ball…more ways to be at the point of attack to play within this offense, that’s what this offseason really provides for him.”
A room that led the league in rushing touchdowns last year will now be joined by rookie Jaylen Wright. Expect Miami to try to replicate their postseason run by giving Mostert and Achane opportunities to go for big yardage.
