De’Von Achane hits his stride
Since he was drafted in 2023, running back De’Von Achane has been money for the Dolphins in the ground game. Even as a rookie, while backing up Raheem Mostert, who posted a 1,000-yard season, Achane still added 800 yards of his own on 103 carries. In his second year, the Texas A&M product broke out as the starter, with 907 yards. Now in his third season, Achane is on pace to hit the century mark himself. Monday night was a massive step towards that mark with a 99-yard rushing performance and one touchdown on the ground.
Against the Jets, he forced seven missed tackles according to Next Gen Stats, with most of his production coming outside the tackles. Achane finished with 77 yards and a touchdown on 12 outside rushes, gaining positive EPA on half of such attempts. Nearly all of his rushing production came out of two-back sets – 14 of 20 carries and 86 of 99 rushing yards.
Achane also gives the Dolphins an option in the short passing game. Through four games, he has 143 yards and two touchdowns on 19 receptions.
Having Achane’s production has allowed Tagovailoa to cut down on his own rushing production, as the Dolphins work to protect him after a string of concussions in recent years. After averaging 2.58 carries per game in his first four years, Tua has averaged 1.5 carries per game in 2024 and 2025.