Miami Dolphins second-year running back De’Von Achane is making a powerful statement in 2024, thriving with an increased workload after a promising but injury-riddled rookie season. Through 10 games, Achane has already surpassed his 2023 production in a big way, recording 122 carries and 46 receptions. To put it in perspective, last season, the 5-foot-9 dynamo only managed 103 carries and 27 catches over 11 games while dealing with injuries.
“I feel good,” Achane said this week via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I’m just glad I’m 100 percent healthy. I didn’t have any injuries like I did last season, so I’m just trying to keep that up, just make sure my body is maintained for the rest of the season.”
And it’s showing. While his insane 7.8 yards per carry average from last season has naturally regressed, Achane is still churning out solid numbers, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He leads the Dolphins in both rushing yards (530) and rushing touchdowns (3), while also leading the team in receptions (46) and ranking third in receiving touchdowns (3). His versatile playmaking has been a major factor in Miami’s offensive success.
The Week 11 Standout: Achane Takes Over
In Miami’s Week 11 win over the Raiders, it was clear that head coach Mike McDaniel is leaning on Achane to be the focal point of the Dolphins’ offense. Achane’s 17 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, combined with 4 catches for 32 yards, showed that he can handle both the rushing and receiving duties effectively. Meanwhile, veteran Raheem Mostert had just three carries for -2 yards, and rookie Jaylen Waddle received only six touches—five carries among them.
McDaniel, never one to shy away from rolling with the “hot hand,” praised Achane’s continued production and ability to stay on the field. “De’Von’s play merited some extra snaps that we were kind of anticipating being a little more level,” McDaniel said. “He was really playing well, so in those situations we kind of lean on the hot hand… he’s really made it difficult to take him off the field.”
Achane’s productivity has made it impossible to keep him off the field, even with the presence of other talented backs like Mostert and rookie Jaylen Waddle. The young back has proven time and again that he can be a dual-threat, making the most of every opportunity.
Breaking Down the Numbers: A Historic Start
Achane is making history in the process. As the only player in 2024 with three or more rushing touchdowns and three or more receiving touchdowns, he’s proven himself as one of the most versatile backs in the league. His 46 catches and three receiving touchdowns are tied for the second-most among running backs, showcasing his ability to contribute in both the ground and aerial attack.
Additionally, Achane has racked up over 100 scrimmage yards and at least one scrimmage touchdown in five games, matching the mark he set in 2023. This consistency has been vital in Miami’s push for the playoffs.
Mostert’s Role and the Team’s Dynamic Backfield
With Achane emerging as the focal point of Miami’s offense, it’s easy to forget that Raheem Mostert was a star for the Dolphins just a season ago. Mostert, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2023 with 18, has taken a backseat to the younger Achane this season. However, the 32-year-old veteran is taking it all in stride, playing the role of mentor and team player.
“He’s doing a good job,” Mostert said of Achane. “He’s hot right now, and it’s good to see. He’s very impressive. I’ve dealt with a lot, but I’m here to play a role. And that’s just to get myself better, get everybody else around me better. If my opportunity knocks, I just got to answer the door.”
Mostert’s selflessness speaks to the camaraderie in the Dolphins’ backfield, where the focus is on the team’s success rather than individual stats.
The Road Ahead: Achane’s Continued Growth
Looking ahead, Achane’s continued health and workload management will be crucial for Miami as the team pushes toward the playoffs. After a concerning concussion in Week 5 that forced him to leave early against New England, Achane has stayed healthy and is poised to be a key contributor for the rest of the season. Barring further injury, the question now is how much of the offensive workload he will continue to shoulder as the Dolphins prepare for a tough stretch of games.
With Achane playing at a high level and Mostert contributing in his own way, the Dolphins’ backfield is in good hands. How coach McDaniel balances their roles in the coming weeks will be critical to Miami’s success, but one thing is certain: De’Von Achane is quickly becoming the engine that drives this high-powered offense.
