Continuity is the theme for the 2024 Miami Dolphins offense. Much like the quarterback room, a single addition joins a running back room that's running it back for the upcoming campaign. Returning is the franchise record-holder for touchdowns in a season (Raheem Mostert, 21), and the best yards per carry average by a running back in the Super Bowl era (De'Von Achane, 7.8). Newcomer Jaylen Wright looks to add some rookie juice to the room after being selected in the third round of April's NFL Draft.
The Cast (In order of NFL experience):
- 31 Raheem Mostert
- 23 Jeff Wilson
- 30 Alec Ingold (fullback)
- 26 Salvon Ahmed
- 28 De'Von Achane
- 35 Chris Brooks
- 25 Jaylen Wright
Whether you look at the numbers, film, or what opponents have to say, the Dolphins run game is among the most productive in the league. The 27 touchdowns via the ground led the league last year. With 2,308 rushing yards, the Dolphins finished sixth in the NFL in 2023, doing so with a league-best 5.1 yards per rush.
Speed and versatility highlight the room. The Mostert-Achane duo combined for 30 percent of the NFL's top 10 high-speeds in 2023 (Achane fourth and sixth at 21.9 and 21.7 MPH, and Mostert 10th at 21.6 MPH). Their ability to align in the backfield, as receivers, run the rock, catch the ball, cross the formation in motion and the variety of different run schemes Miami runs makes the Dolphins one of the toughest teams to prepare for.
"You're the hardest team to play," Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby told Head Coach Mike McDaniel following Miami's Week 11 win in 2023. Crosby's word carries some weight as he's a four-time All-Pro with 52 career sacks to his name.
A big part of the run game's complexity is centered around one of the game's rarest throwbacks: fullback, Alec Ingold.
"A guy like Alec Ingold is an unsung hero with the offense," Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith said. "His physicality, who he is as a teammate, his knowledge and everything that he provides."
One of the additions to the room for this year is rookie Jaylen Wright. Wright finished top five in college football last season in the following categories: yards per rush (7.4), yards after initial contact (4.35), missed tackles forced (43), yards after contact (592) and runs of 15-plus yards (19). Additionally, his top speed of 23.7 MPH in the 40-yard dash was the second fastest in the class behind Louisville's Isaac Guerendo.
On Miami's game-winning drive against Dallas, which clinched a postseason berth, Jeff Wilson had runs of eight and six yards, including the final first down which allowed the Dolphins to go into victory formation. Salvon Ahmed scored a pair of touchdowns in 2023 and Chris Brooks averaged 5.6 yards per rush on his 19 attempts as a rookie.
This will be one of the most difficult positions to make roster decisions on. Each member of the room has NFL experience and success, while collectively pacing the NFL in running game metrics.
To catch the action and this intense battle in the backfield, get out to the Baptist Health Training Complex as the Dolphins prepare for the 2024 season. Tickets are still available.
