De’Von Achane Emerges as Miami’s Dynamic Force, Fueling Playoff Aspirations
De’Von Achane, the Miami Dolphins’ electrifying running back, has solidified his place among the NFL’s elite this season. As of Week 13, he ranks third in the league with an impressive 1,034 rushing yards and recently earned the title of AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November. While Achane’s remarkable speed and agility have always been apparent since his days at Texas A&M, it’s his unique football intelligence that caught head coach Mike McDaniel’s attention during the scouting process.
A Unique Discovery
McDaniel recalls his first impression of Achane. “I knew his tape was exceptional enough that I don’t think I’ve tried to catch a visitor off guard more than when he took a visit with us,” he shared last week. He went on to detail the process of understanding Achane beyond the surface. “Once he came here and sat down and watched a couple of plays, I could see the game was slow to him. I recognized something that wasn’t otherwise available.”
The coach highlighted Achane’s ability to avoid direct hits, indicating a natural football talent that many overlook. “You like to do player comps, and he was a blend of several things. I figured he had the ability to be unique in this league,” McDaniel noted. This keen observation has transformed Achane into a key asset for the Dolphins.
Draft Day Tension and Triumph
The Dolphins faced challenges during the 2023 NFL Draft, having only four picks. They selected cornerback Cam Smith with their second-round pick at No. 51 overall, leaving McDaniel anxious as they awaited their next selection. The relief and excitement that followed when they drafted Achane in the third round is well documented.
McDaniel reflected on how perceptions of size influenced opinions about Achane, who stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs 191 pounds. “A lot of people profile him off the rip as he’s smaller, so you assume all sorts of things based upon the size and speed of other players that aren’t De’Von,” he explained. Despite his stature, Achane emerged as a durable player at Texas A&M, logging at least 150 touches in each of his final two seasons.
Durability and Evolution
Achane’s resilience has been evident during his time with the Dolphins. After battling knee and shoulder injuries during his rookie year, he has since played in all 29 regular-season games. McDaniel emphasized the importance of Achane’s ability to avoid direct tackles, stating, “That’s a skill of avoiding direct tackles that is very impactful when your job is to move the ball forward.”
This skill not only enhances Achane’s performance but also contributes to his longevity on the field. “He’s able to avoid a lot of the big shots,” McDaniel noted. “People intend to hit him pretty hard, so he’s able in his game to take advantage of it.”
Impact on the Dolphins’ Offense
Achane’s statistics speak volumes; he has already rushed for a career-high 1,034 yards, with five games still remaining this season. His 186 carries surpass his total from his rookie season, and he leads the team with 54 receptions. Achane is undeniably the engine driving Miami’s offense, and his recent performances demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure.
“His vision and speed have been key to rushing for at least 120 yards in each of the last three games,” McDaniel explained. “He has players playing for him, trying to get that extra strain.” The team’s commitment to Achane is evident, as teammates understand that their blocks can pave the way for explosive plays.
Team Synergy and Future Prospects
Achane’s ability to create significant yardage is reflected in his ranking—he is tied with Jahmyr Gibbs for ten runs of at least 20 yards this season. Notably, among running backs with at least 180 carries, only Achane, Gibbs, and Jonathan Taylor average over 5.5 yards per carry.
The Dolphins struggled early in the season with a 1-6 record but have since turned the tide, winning four of their last five games. They now lead the NFL with an average of 176.7 rushing yards over their past three outings.
“I think [Achane] feels like his teammates are a part of his journey and his development,” McDaniel concluded. “He’s a big part of our program, and we’re very happy that he’s seized the opportunity and been the leader and consistent playmaker that he has been.” As the Dolphins continue to make their playoff push, Achane’s contributions will be pivotal in shaping their success.
