How De’Von Achane quietly hijacked the Dolphins’ attack and defenses are panicking

Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty ImagesFormer Dolphins back hints at major change for AchaneAchane, when healthy, took 103 carries for 800 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 7.8 yards per rush and also contributed as a receiver with 27 catches for 197 yards and three touchdowns. His limited usage was mainly due to injuries.

>The message from the new regime was clear from the beginning. Achane was told there’d be no trade and that he would be at the heart of their offensive plans. That statement means more than any contract ever could.

>It’s common for new leadership to put experienced players on hold while they reassess the roster. In Achane’s case, it was the opposite.

>Despite Miami finishing near the bottom in total offence, Achane’s numbers stood out as he produced the second-most scrimmage yards in team history. Over three seasons, he’s averaged nearly 100 scrimmage yards per game with 35 touchdowns across 44 appearances.

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesPerformance drove the Dolphins’ decisionThe new deal is worth $64 million over four years, with incentives pushing it up to $68 million and $32 guaranteed. His $16 million average annual salary ranks third among running backs, trailing only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey.

>There’s a medical piece to this as well. Jeff Hafley noted that Achane wasn’t a full participant in OTAs, still rehabbing from a shoulder procedure. He was limited to individual work and running drills, but there’s no long-term concern, and he’s expected to be fully fit soon.

>If you’re building an offence around someone, there’s no need to push them too hard in May. Miami are simply being careful with their newly-extended back. Achane steps into a new leadership group alongside new starting quarterback Malik Willis and a heavily reshaped supporting cast.

>With Tyreek Hill released and Jaylen Waddle traded, the receiver room thinned to Tolbert, Atwell, Malik Washington and a class of rookies, and the offence will have to operate more directly. Everything now runs through Achane. The challenge for the rest of the unit is making sure that the approach holds up.

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