Give the Miami Dolphins credit score for making an attempt to improve the operating again place this offseason. Miami was within the operating for Dalvin Cook dinner earlier than he signed with the New York Jets and has curiosity in dealing for Jonathan Taylor amid his standoff with the Indianapolis Colts. Buying and selling for Taylor continues to be a risk, however the star again is on the PUP checklist and might be sidelined for the primary 4 video games.
Do the Dolphins even want a featured again like a Cook dinner or Taylor? Miami is twenty fifth within the NFL in dashing common, twenty second in dashing touchdowns, and nineteenth in yards per carry. This was with two gamers returning who averaged 4.9 yards and 4.7 yards per carry, respectively, final season. It did not assist the Dolphins affected these numbers by averaging simply 22.9 carries per recreation (thirty first in NFL), making the franchise go six consecutive seasons with no 1,000-yard rusher — tied for the fourth-longest drought at the moment within the NFL.
Whereas the Dolphins probably will not have a 1,000-yard rusher this season, Mike McDaniel’s dashing assault ought to thrive with a operating back-by-committee method in 12 months 2. The Dolphins have a powerful secure of backs to make use of all year long.
The main rusher on the Dolphins final season, Mostert put up a good 181 carries for 891 yards and three touchdowns in 2022 (averaging 4.9 yards per carry). He began 14 video games and 70.25 yards per recreation, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Miami’s dashing assault was considerably hindered when Mostert was inactive for the playoff loss to Buffalo (the sport Skylar Thompson began).
Mostert is the lead again within the committee method, however he will not be getting the majority of the touches each week.
The Dolphins acquired Wilson on the commerce deadline final season, reuniting him with McDaniel. Wilson performed eight video games in Miami, ending with 84 carries for 392 yards and three touchdowns (4.7 yards per carry). Over the ultimate three video games, he had 40 carries for 154 yards and a landing (3.8 yards per carry).
Wilson, who Miami re-signed this offseason, is probably going finest suited to enrich Mostert, as he is averaged 10.5 carries per recreation since arriving to Miami. Mostert averaged 10.0 in that stretch, so there ought to be a reasonably even distribution.
The third-round rookie will add some explosiveness to the operating recreation, even with a shoulder damage that saved him out many of the preseason. He has the very best ceiling of this group, and his 4.32 40-yard sprint on the mix is nothing to scoff at.
The Dolphins will ease Achane into the dashing assault, however do not be shocked if he is the again getting essentially the most touches within the second half of the 12 months. If Achane can keep wholesome, he is a house run risk within the zone-run scheme.
Ahmed solely had 12 carries for the Dolphins final season regardless of enjoying 12 video games. He is on the backside of the depth chart, however might be relied upon sooner or later with the damage historical past of Mostert and Wilson. Ahmed simply is not a high-volume again, however gives glorious depth for a gaggle that wants it.
An undrafted rookie, Brooks completed with 22 carries for 104 yards and two touchdowns within the preseason — highlighted by a 52-yard dashing landing. The Dolphins felt extremely sufficient of Brooks to maintain him on the 53-man roster, probably resulting from his two-touchdown displaying within the preseason finale.
At 6-1, 223 kilos, Brooks beat out Myles Gaskin for the roster spot. The Dolphins might use Brooks as a short-yardage again, given the dearth of bodily backs on the roster. Brooks has a task on this offense.