Battle to Watch: Running Back

[SF Dolphin Fan]

On paper, this could easily be a top 10 unit in the NFL, but there's a lot of youth in this room. Achane is explosive, with 12 touchdowns in two years and a rookie record 7.8 yards per carry in 2023. Ideally, Achane gets 10-15 touches a game, and he's paired in a committee. He's best in the open field, meaning finding more way to get him touches in the passing game should be the priority. If Achane can stay healthy, he could be the focal point of the offense.



The Dolphins lost both Mostert and Wilson this offseason. Mostert was a major contributor in 2023, but had fumble issues in 2024 and lost playing time because of it. Wilson was oft injured, but a good role player when he was healthy. Wright figures to get many of the carries Mostert had, although rookie Gordon could challenge him for playing time. That could be one of the more interesting battles of the summer. Wright had an up and down rookie season, flashing speed and explosiveness. Gordon's ability to block and get the tough yards on his own are seemingly exactly what this offense needs.



Ingold is one of about six fullbacks with a roster spot in the NFL. There's been talk on Finheaven that maybe a tight end could be used in his role, saving a roster spot, but there's no indication Miami would go that way. Ingold is also a team leader and well liked by the coaching staff. In other words, it would be a surprise if he didn't make the 53-man roster.

Mattison, signed from Las Vegas, is a big back at 220 who may end up as a bubble guy, or battling it out with Gordon. The only other back on the roster is undrafted rookie Noel of Missouri, who could be a practice squad candidate.

 

[dolfan91]

I think this is the one position, that depends on the success of two other elements. The first element being, Mike McDaniel and the second being how well Miami's offensive line plays.

If McDaniel and the Oline fail, there possibly won't be any battle here.

They are certainly talented players. Question is, does McDaniel's play calling help or hurt? Or does Miami's newly put together offensive line, contribute to the RB's success or failure?

A battle between these RB's could be on the horizon. If a true battle develops, its probably because of the huge success, both the HC and Oline created for each individual player. I'm most excited about this group in particular. I think it a top 5 group, if they hit on all cylinders.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I think this is the one position, that depends on the success of two other elements. The first element being, Mike McDaniel and the second being how well Miami's offensive line plays.

If McDaniel and the Oline fail, there possibly won't be any battle here.

They are certainly talented players. Question is, does McDaniel's play calling help or hurt? Or does Miami's newly put together offensive line, contribute to the RB's success or failure?

A battle between these RB's could be on the horizon. If a true battle develops, its probably because of the huge success, both the HC and Oline created for each individual player. I'm most excited about this group in particular. I think it a top 5 group, if they hit on all cylinders.

Well said. I also hope we see a slight philosophical change in the running game. I think that's a big reason Gordon was drafted, along with the addition of Mattison. Achane and Wright can both bust big plays off sweeps, but there's a lot of all or nothing there (too many negative plays). I hope we see more traditional power running game. Savaiinaea and Daniels point to that as well.

 

[NoblePhin]

Very excited to see Wright get more touches behind a revamped OL. He should be 1B to Achane, and getting 15 touches a game at minimum.

 

[djphinfan]

I really liked seeing wright working on his craft by himself

Achane could be doing the same.

Wright has a lot of talent speed and underrated force to his game , should be a nice battle for reps

Also from a brief look Ollie doesn’t look to be in the 230 range

I hope to see that player at 215

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I really liked seeing wright working on his craft by himself

Achane could be doing the same.

Wright has a lot of talent speed and underrated force to his game , should be a nice battle for reps

Also from a brief look Ollie doesn’t look to be in the 230 range

I hope to see that player at 215

I believe Gordon played at closer to 215 as a junior, when he rushed for more than 1700 yards.

 

[djphinfan]

100

I believe Gordon played at closer to 215 as a junior, when he rushed for more than 1700 yards.

100 percent, looked like 210-212 as well

Everyone wants to blame the Oline from last year and his poor production

I would say look at him first and why was he 230,

Very hard for me to believe that after that kind of season his teams coaches asked him to put on 20 lbs

 

[Mach2]

I think this is the one position, that depends on the success of two other elements. The first element being, Mike McDaniel and the second being how well Miami's offensive line plays.

If McDaniel and the Oline fail, there possibly won't be any battle here.

They are certainly talented players. Question is, does McDaniel's play calling help or hurt? Or does Miami's newly put together offensive line, contribute to the RB's success or failure?

A battle between these RB's could be on the horizon. If a true battle develops, its probably because of the huge success, both the HC and Oline created for each individual player. I'm most excited about this group in particular. I think it a top 5 group, if they hit on all cylinders.

I think OP was referring to a camp battle to define roles and who has them. That's going to take place regardless.

 

[Atila]

I don’t think MM has any issues with running… We just have never had the interior players to make it work. Anything up the middle got stuffed 3 out of 4 tries. Eventually, you just stop trying.

We should… hopefully… be better at running this year if the OL stays healthy

 

[JamesWsenior]

100

100 percent, looked like 210-212 as well

Everyone wants to blame the Oline from last year and his poor production

I would say look at him first and why was he 230,

Very hard for me to believe that after that kind of season his teams coaches asked him to put on 20 lbs

You can tell the difference between 212 and 215? Could have used you when I was drunk in college on some Saturday nights out.

 

[HeyJayOh]

We really need Gordon and Mattison to gut out the tough yards for us. I'm so tired of running stretch plays on 4th-and-one and turning the ball over on downs. Not sure what analytics Coach uses to make his decisions, but he needs to make sure they're personal to his tendencies and not league-wide because we have to be way below average. We'd probably do better running a wildcat formation instead of watching opponents blow up our OL. Somebody dial up Ronnie Brown.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

I don’t think MM has any issues with running… We just have never had the interior players to make it work. Anything up the middle got stuffed 3 out of 4 tries. Eventually, you just stop trying.

We should… hopefully… be better at running this year if the OL stays healthy

I agree. I don't think McDaniel trusted the interior of the offensive line.

 

[The Ghost]

Jaylen Wright.

 

[JBinSD]

You can tell the difference between 212 and 215? Could have used you when I was drunk in college on some Saturday nights out.

…huh?

 

[JamesWsenior]

…huh?

You never took a girl home drunk and wake up the next morning and all the food in your fridge is gone, and so is she?