Miami Dolphins’ Biggest Surprise of the 2026 NFL Season

Miami Dolphins’ Biggest Surprise of the 2026 NFL Season

Overall, the Miami Dolphins’ offense has been a sputtering mess this season. Not only are the Dolphins 0-5, but they also rank at the bottom of the NFL in total points scored (70) and total offensive yards (1,401).

Even still, the Dolphins’ ground game has been an undeniable bright spot. So how has a rebuilding team that has struggled so mightily managed to be effective there? Well, it’s largely been a two-man effort.

But before getting into the keys to the Dolphins’ success on the ground, it’s worth noting that they’re enjoying all this success (126.6 rushing yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry this season) sans their best running back and top offensive weapon, De’Von Achane. He’s out for the year with a torn ACL and hasn’t played in weeks, making Miami’s run game even more impressive.

Perhaps no one person is more responsible for Miami’s surprisingly effective run game than second-year running back Ollie Gordon, who has raised his game since Achane went down. He’s amassed 188 rushing yards in Miami’s last two games alone, after rushing for 199 as a rookie in 2025. So far in five games, Gordon has 236 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per carry.

Quarterback Malik Willis has been another key contributor on the ground, as he and Gordon have spearheaded the run game for the Dolphins. For all his well-documented struggles throwing the football, the signal-caller has been a legitimate dual threat in his maiden season in Miami. He’s already knocking on the door of 200 rushing yards and recently ran for 74 yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.

Moving forward, if the Dolphins pair their already strong run game with better execution (like fewer turnovers), their results may improve, and they may finally get in the win column.