New Focus of Miami Dolphins Offense

It’s no secret that the Miami Dolphins offense looks different in 2024, and the most revealing thing was that they have a new lead role through eight games.

De’Von Achane took over.

It’s not about getting the ball to Tyreek Hill anymore.

Achane has become the standout player on offense — along with Tua Tagovailoa, of course — and the stats scream it.

Through the first eight games, Achane led the Dolphins in rushing yards and receptions, putting him on track to become the first player to accomplish the double since Troy Stradford as a rookie in 1987; that was good enough to earn him the NFL Offensive. Rookie of the Year award.

The last Dolphins running back to lead the team in receptions was Terry Kirby, who did so in 1995, two years after achieving that feat with 75 catches, a team record for a running back.

With 37 catches so far, Achane is on track to reach 78 receptions.

More importantly, he has 722 yards from scrimmage, the highest total on the team. Hill ranks second with 446 yards on 34 receptions.

Opponents have made a concerted effort to not allow Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to consistently pass them on top, and that’s part of the reason why the Dolphins have become an offense centered around the run game and the short pass.

This approach has worked in the last two games; The Dolphins scored 27 points against the Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills, but it wasn’t enough for Miami’s victory.

After a terrific rookie season in which he averaged an NFL record 8 yards per carry, Achane has passed Raheem Mostert for the top spot starting in 2024.

There was no way Achane could match his ridiculous yardage average – at least no sensible way – but he’s still running a solid 4.5. His big-play ability was showcased in the opener with a 39-yard catch against Jacksonville and a 47-yard run against Arizona.

Ultimately, the Dolphins would certainly love to get big plays from Hill and/or Waddle in the passing game, but a few more plays could be what we see from the Dolphins’ offense. The remainder of the 2024 season.

In the meantime, they will continue to ride Achane.