De’Von Achane’s Explosive Magic Missing in Dolphins’ Sluggish Start

De’Von Achane is one of the Miami Dolphins’ best players.

Opponents know that, too, which is why they’ve emphasized stopping the Pro Bowl running back.

Because the passing game has underperformed with quarterback Malik Willis, defenses are stacking the box to slow Achane down early this season.

“We know that we got to be able to run the ball,” Achane said Wednesday. “Running the ball really is just a mindset, so I feel like our mindset was different.

“We wanted to come out and run the ball, and I feel like the O-line had a chip on their shoulders. They came out there, and I feel like we got better from Week 1.”

Achane’s role has expanded despite his yards per carry dropping

With teams routinely lining up seven and eight men in the box, Achane’s yards per carry have dropped dramatically. He is averaging 3.5 yards per attempt, a far cry from his explosive career average of 5.5 yards per attempt.

In addition to his yards per carry dropping, Achane has rushed for just 110 yards and zero touchdowns on 31 carries.

Teams are daring the Dolphins to hit explosive pass plays over the top. With Miami averaging just 183.5 passing yards per game, defenses have been able to focus much of their attention on neutralizing Achane.

It also doesn’t help that the Dolphins’ offensive line has been arguably the worst in football through two games. Miami has allowed nine sacks, the most in the league. Instead of home-run runs and consistent pressure on defenses, Achane is grinding out yards and taking on more contact.

Although he hasn’t been as effective on the ground, Achane’s role has expanded under coach Jeff Hafley and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. After having just 15 touches in the Week 1 loss to the Raiders, Achane finished with 23 touches against the 49ers — 20 carries and three catches.

Achane told reporters that Hafley has talked with him about getting even more touches.

“He always wants me to — if I see something, come up to him and tell him something,” Achane said. “But I’ve never been that type of player to go to somebody and tell them what to do or say, ‘Oh, I need the ball more.’ I mean, I’ve never been that type of player, so I’m not going to start now.”