The Miami Dolphins are making a major change this year, which could be exactly what they need

Miami is putting an emphasis on running the football and wearing down teams in 2025

The Miami Dolphins run game was explosive in 2023, but it struggled this past season.

They averaged just four yards per rush on the season, putting them 28th in the NFL despite having one of the fastest and most dynamic running backs in the league in DeVon Achane.

Miami averaged 0.7 rushing touchdowns per game, and teams were able to defend them more easily than they had been the year before.

A lot of that came down to the struggles of the offensive line and a lack of power in the backfield. During the offseason they’ve tried to correct those things, and should now look a little different in 2025.

Field Yates discussed their physicality on ESPN, saying:

“If you run the football, it creates a threat that the defense has to respect. That in turn opens up some of those explosive plays down the field, because despite the improved emphasis on the toughness, they still have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, that’s the fastest wide receiver duo in the NFL.”

Miami did focus on their toughness on both sides of the ball this offseason, but it should have a major impact on the offense. They signed veteran guard James Daniels in free agency, who has spent the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, in what has been a tough, downhill running offense.

They then drafted another big man for the offensive line in Jonah Savaiinaea, trading up to get him in the second round.

Both of those pieces should help to support a more efficient run game, but as Yates touched on, Ollie Gordon is the secret weapon.

The Dolphins had a ton of speed but lacked the power to complement it. Ollie Gordon gives them that, as a six-foot-two power back who was one of the best running backs in the country in 2023.

He ran for 1,580 yards that season, while scoring 20 rushing touchdowns. He won the Doak Walker Award too, and was voted a unanimous All-American.

Unfortunately, the 2024 season didn’t quite go his way, which meant he slipped further than he perhaps should in the draft. The Dolphins selected him in the sixth round, and will now have what could be one of the best running back rooms in the NFL in 2025.

Ollie Gordon is ready for the challenge, and if he can have an impact, the Dolphins will be able to stand up and play a lot tougher in those late-season games in the cold.

The Miami Dolphins running back room has serious potential this season, with an improved offensive line

Theoretically, things should run a lot smoother for the Miami Dolphins this season if Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy.

DeVon Achane is a budding star who came out of college as an explosive back with track star speed, and has continued to showcase that at the NFL level. In 2023 he had veteran Raheem Mostert to split the workload with, but he was banged up a lot in 2024, and could only play a very minimal role.

Rookie Jaylen Wright also played a minimal role, but he too is expected to take a major step forward this coming season. Wright was a standout star for the Tennessee Volunteers. At five-foot-eleven and 210 lbs, he’s got the speed to break through the line and into space, while also possessing some power behind his pads.

Then, finally, there’s Ollie Gordon, who will make Miami a lot tougher to stop in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. He’s not just a back who will get you two yards and go down, though. He’s athletic, fast, and productive.

The Dolphins have three backs who will all contribute this season, plus the improved offensive line. Those things plus a healthy franchise quarterback may mean many are overlooking the Dolphins in 2025.