De’Von Achane crosses 1,000 yards as Dolphins’ offensive powerhouse
The Miami Dolphins secured a gritty victory against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, showcasing not only their tenacity but also a significant achievement for one of their standout players. Running back De’Von Achane surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard milestone this season, finishing the game with 134 yards on 22 carries. This marks a pivotal moment in Achane’s burgeoning career, as he has proven to be an all-purpose workhorse since his arrival in the league in 2023.
Achane expressed his pride in reaching this milestone, stating, “It means a lot. It just shows the hard work me and my team have put in. It’s just a stepping stone of mine, and we just need to keep moving forward.” With this achievement, Achane becomes the first Dolphins running back to exceed 1,000 rushing yards since Raheem Mostert recorded 1,012 yards in 2023. By reaching this benchmark in Week 13, Achane joins the ranks of only three other running backs in the league to accomplish the feat this season.
A standout among the elite
Currently, Achane ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards, trailing only Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts and James Cook of the Buffalo Bills. What’s particularly noteworthy is that Achane reached this impressive milestone on just 156 carries, a stark contrast to his 907 rushing yards on 203 carries in the previous season.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged Achane’s growth, highlighting not only his performance but his leadership qualities: “We were relying on him, not just to be a good player, but to take a step and be a leader… I think he’s taken a huge step forward in his game. He was already a dynamic player, but I think you’re seeing a lot of confidence in him. He’s making players miss a ton, but he’s also getting dirty yards.”
Rising to the occasion
Achane’s rise as a critical component of the Dolphins’ offensive strategy comes at a crucial time. With the passing game experiencing a downturn in recent weeks, the burden has shifted increasingly toward Achane and the running attack. Despite winning four of their last five games, the Dolphins’ passing offense has only exceeded 200 yards in one of those matches—during their loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9.
In this stretch, Achane has emerged as the engine driving the offense. He recorded an impressive 174 rushing yards against the Buffalo Bills, capped off by two late touchdowns that secured the win. The following week, he continued to shine with 120 yards on 21 carries against Washington, solidifying his status as the offense’s focal point.
Improving under pressure
A notable aspect of Achane’s development this season has been his improved contact balance, averaging 3.91 yards after contact per rush, compared to 2.91 yards last year. Standing at 5-9 and weighing 191 pounds, Achane possesses a remarkable ability to break tackles and convert near losses into positive gains.
Yet, it is his elite speed and burst that remain his defining attributes. Both of these traits were on full display during the Dolphins’ opening possession against the Saints, where Achane made a remarkable scoring run that energized his team and fans alike.
As the Dolphins continue their push through the season, Achane’s blend of speed, power, and newfound leadership will be pivotal in their pursuit of success.
