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From Finesse to Force: The Key To Opening Up The Offense

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Dorian Sims | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 1:59 PM ET

From Finesse to Force: The Key To Opening Up The Offense

As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the 2025 NFL season, it appears head coach Mike McDaniel is reportedly leaning back into the philosophy that helped him rise through the coaching ranks: a relentless and effective run game. After a few seasons of Miami’s offense living and dying by explosive plays and finesse speed, McDaniel seems intent on building a more balanced — and bruising — identity on offense.

McDaniel’s reputation as a creative play designer was forged during his time as a run game coordinator, most notably under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. That background helped elevate players like Raheem Mostert, Elijah Mitchell, and others into top-tier rushing threats without needing a superstar back. But since arriving in Miami, McDaniel has favored a pass-heavy, speed-first attack that, while electrifying, often faltered in critical moments when a tough yard or a time-killing drive was needed.

That may be changing. This offseason, Miami’s moves on offense clearly point toward a new (or perhaps familiar) emphasis: power running.

The Dolphins already boast one of the league’s most exciting playmakers in De’Von Achane. His speed and dual-threat versatility are undeniable. But at just under 190 pounds, he’s not built to carry the ball 20+ times per game — and frankly, he shouldn’t have to. Achane’s value lies in his ability to stay fresh and dangerous, waiting for the moment to turn a swing pass or a toss play into a game-changing highlight.

To help shoulder the load, the Dolphins added Alexander Mattison in free agency — a back with experience as both a starter and short-yardage contributor. They will also be relying on second-year back Jaylen Wright, who flashed promise as a downhill runner. On top of that, Miami just spent a draft pick on Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II — a 227-pound back who won the Doak Walker Award in 2023 and thrives running between the tackles.

That’s not just added depth — that’s a shift in philosophy.

For years, Miami’s Achilles heel has been its inability to impose its will on defenses and convert short-yardage situations. Opponents haven’t feared the Dolphins’ run game. Even when Miami did run, it rarely came between the A and B gaps with conviction. That lack of physicality cost them late in games and showed up most glaringly in cold-weather matchups against more balanced teams.

The 2025 Dolphins look different. Bigger. Tougher. More intentional.

Trying to become a power run team and succeeding at it are two very different things. But it’s encouraging to see McDaniel finally address the issue head-on instead of continuing to scheme around it. If Miami can stay committed to this shift, it won’t just make the run game better — it’ll open up everything else this offense is built to do: take deep shots, spread defenses thin, and let their speedsters shine.

For Miami to take the next step, it’s going to have to get dirty in the trenches. And that starts with Mike McDaniel returning to what he knows best.

This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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