The Miami Dolphins reportedly are expected to lean on their running game in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe shared that Miami is looking to attack a weak Dallas run defense with Raheem Mostert and rookie De’Von Achane. Dallas is allowing 4.3 yards per carry this season, tied for the 11th most in the NFL.
Raheem Mostert is defying RB age stereotypes & breaking franchise records but all he’s thinking is MORE.
Potential big days for Mostert & De’Von Achane vs. struggling Cowboys run D.
More from @nflnetwork @NFLGameDay: pic.twitter.com/3ySCdI3qoz
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 24, 2023
“And keep an eye on Mostert – and speedy running back De’Von Achane for potential big days today,” Wolfe said. “I’m told they’re expected to lean on both backs against a Cowboys run D that gave up 266 rushing yards versus the Buffalo Bills last week and will be without their top run stuffer – defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins – once again today.”
Achane and Mostert have both had their fair shares of big games this season, although Mostert has been a more constant presence in Miami’s backfield.
Achane, who dealt with a knee injury earlier this season that landed him on injured reserve, has a few monster games under his belt.
So far this season, Mostert has carried the ball 198 times for 966 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and an NFL-leading 18 rushing touchdowns. Mostert scored twice in the team’s Week 15 win over the New York Jets, totaling 15 carries in that game for 42 yards.
While Achane didn’t see as big of a workload as Mostert against the Jets, he did carry the ball nine times for 32 yards. The rookie is a big-play threat, averaging 8.5 yards per carry on the season.
The rookie running back had long runs of 67 yards (against the Denver Broncos), 55 yards (against the Bills) and 76 yards (against the New York Giants) in consecutive games earlier this season.
Mostert and Achane are a solid duo in the backfield, as they both have shown an ability to produce monster rushing games this season.
If Dallas struggles to stop the run, it could be a good sign for Miami since star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is nursing an ankle injury. The Dolphins may not have to involve Hill as much if the running game can carry the team to a big lead.
Miami has three tough games left this season against the Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Bills. The team would love to pick up a win in Week 16 to stay in the conversation for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
The Dolphins and Cowboys are scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday.
