No Longer Just Speed: Dolphins Evolve Run Game for 2025
Once the fastest weaponry in football, the Miami Dolphins have transformed their predictable speed-only ground game into something even more dynamic. The Dolphins’ biggest issue last season was being figured out. In 2023, what worked so well was the fact that they had two speedy running backs who could turn any run into a highlight play; this same thing that worked well was also part of the problem. It seemed every single week, a halfback pitch would fill the screen for any Dolphins fan, only to be instantly blown up for a loss of yards, creating something so frustrating, yet so head-scratching. To go from one of the best ground games in football to something so stale in one season, how does that happen? The Dolphins have changed their rushing approach this season. Let’s talk about it.
Speed Thrills
For starters, one thing was revealed last year: De’Von Achane is a true starting RB in the NFL and has the potential to be one of the best in the sport. Achane instantly proved his speed at the NFL combine in 2023, where he ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, which is the fourth-fastest among running backs at the combine. The former All-American track star at Texas A&M has shown elite agility and elusiveness, with some NFL scouts even saying he turns his speed on only when he “needs to.” A problem that the Dolphins haven’t addressed through his career yet is the fact that Achane is much smaller than the average back, which makes it harder to push for that extra yardage in short situations.
For his first two seasons, Achane was paired with veteran journeyman Raheem Mostert, who totaled 21 touchdowns during his one-year contract in 2023, leading the league in the touchdown stat. The Dolphins rewarded the 33-year-old with a two-year, nine-million-dollar contract extension, which was cut short after his release in February due to his inefficient season. Mostert played in just 13 games, totaling 278 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding two pivotal fumbles to his stats that impacted the outcome of games. Mostert signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his time in Miami.
As mentioned before, Mostert provides a similar physicality as Achane, being a speedy back who can make explosive plays happen in the snap of a finger. Mostert's speed and agility make him a threat in the open field, allowing him to make quick cuts and make defenders miss. With his smaller stature, Mostert hasn’t been a stranger to the injury list, while also facing the same struggles that Achane does in short-field situations. The Dolphins entered a pivotal decision during the offseason; it was time to focus on making this rushing game more unpredictable while offering two different forms of attack.
The “Fin”-ishers
After figuring out that maybe having two of the same running backs in the same room wouldn’t be effective for an extended period, general manager Chris Grier went out and signed a back with a different archetype. The Dolphins inked former Raider Alexander Mattison to a one-year contract, similar to the one Mostert signed with Mattison’s former team. Mattison is generally considered a power back with a downhill, physical running style. He is known for his ability to handle a heavy workload and convert in short-yardage situations. One of his biggest strengths is converting in short-yardage situations, particularly on third and fourth downs with one to three yards to go. Throughout his career, his numbers have shown. In 2024, he converted 12 of 16 carries, 75% on third or fourth down with two or fewer yards to gain, including three touchdown plunges.
Mattison wasn’t the only back that Grier brought on. The Dolphins restocked their ground game with a former top college running back: Ollie Gordon, the former Oregon State star. Gordon broke onto the scene in 2023, where he racked up 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the nation in a majority of rushing stats. In 2024, Gordon disappeared, entering a year where he was projected as one of the best, finishing with just 880 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Dolphins spent only a sixth-round pick on the 21-year-old, who will serve as a depth piece for the time being behind Jaylen Wright.
The six-foot-one halfback is considered a bruising, physical downhill runner with a desire for contact. During his breakout season, 1,056 of his 1,732 yards came after contact—the second-most in the NCAA, while also forcing the most missed tackles with 68. Gordon is known for his vision and patience, which have helped him in the past to identify holes and find cutback lanes. Along with this, Gordon demonstrates good build-up speed, able to gain yardage once he breaks through the initial line of scrimmage.
Final Downs
The Dolphins will enter the 2025 season with the ability to stump opposing defenses completely. Whether it’s utilizing Achane’s otherworldly speed or relying on Mattison to plow through tacklers, mixing and matching will help. Along with the two experienced backs, the Dolphins have considerably younger backs. The team didn’t draft Jaylen Wright in the fourth round of the 2024 draft for no reason. His speed gives the Dolphins a similar taste to what they had in Mostert, while still having someone like Ollie Gordon to provide power. Mike McDaniel has the chance to recreate the Dolphins’ offense, which will provide the world with even more fun and creative nicknames.
