The Miami Dolphins’ De’Von Achane has been one of the best running backs in the NFL this season. In a Miami offense that has battled inconsistent quarterback play and key injuries, notably to star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Achane has been Miami’s most reliable offensive weapon, having single-handedly won the team its last two games.
Unstoppable in Buffalo
In a Week 10 divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills, Achane had one of the best performances of the season, rushing for 174 yards on 22 carries with two rushing touchdowns. Achane also showed work in the receiving game, adding six catches for 51 yards. In a game where Miami upset Buffalo 30-13, Achane led the team in carries and receptions.
Achane’s big-play potential has been on notice since his rookie season. As a former track star in college, his breakaway speed helped him break off countless big plays.
Against Buffalo, these capabilities were shown when he took an inside handoff 59 yards for a touchdown. He followed that up later in the fourth quarter with a 35-yard touchdown, marking what would be the exclamation point on a Miami victory.
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Momentum Carried to Madrid
After a big win against Buffalo, the Dolphins traveled to Madrid for a Week 11 matchup with the Washington Commanders. In a game that saw little scoring, Miami came away with a 16-13 overtime win.
Despite the low-scoring affair, Achane still rushed for 120 yards on 21 carries and tallied five receptions for 45 yards. Achane, once again, led the team in carries and receptions in this game, demonstrating his importance to the offense.
Achane recorded 100 or more rushing yards in back-to-back games, making it the third time he has done so this season. Despite not finding the end zone in this one, his big plays helped Miami get down the field all game.
Early in the fourth quarter, Achane had 22 yards on the drive that resulted in the team’s lone touchdown of the game. On the drive, Achane recorded a seven-yard catch to get Miami to the one-yard line, where the rookie back Ollie Gordon II ran it in for the touchdown.
After the Commanders’ quarterback Marcus Mariota threw an interception in overtime, Achane got rushes on all three of the team’s plays on the drive for 22 yards to set up Riley Patterson for the game-winning field goal.
Miami Must Run Through Achane
Going into their Week 12 bye, Miami has won three out of its last four games, moving to 4-7 on the season. If the Dolphins want to have any chance to make the playoffs, they need to continue to feed the hot hand in Achane.
Before Week 12, Achane was sitting in the top five in rushing yards, yards per carry, and total scrimmage yards.
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In a Miami offense that once looked lost, Achane’s consistency, along with his explosiveness and ability to create big plays, has helped Miami’s offense find an identity.
Achane is one of, if not the most important, pieces of this Miami team, and will find himself in conversations to finish as an All-Pro running back.
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