Under former head coach Mike McDaniel, the Miami Dolphins offense was known for finding creative ways to utilize its backfield. McDaniel consistently mixed up the running back rotation, keeping defenses guessing while trying to maximize the strengths of each player.
Now, with Jeff Hafley taking over, one of the more interesting questions surrounding the Dolphins offense is how he plans to handle the backfield.
There's no question about De'Von Achane’s role in this offense. He is the centerpiece of the Dolphins' rushing attack and will be the primary focus out of the backfield. It would not be surprising to see Achane average 14 or more carries per game, especially if Miami wants to establish him as one of the focal points of the offense.
The more
interesting question, however, is what happens behind him.
The Dolphins currently have Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II as their primary backups. Wright is expected to hold the larger role as the RB2, but just how involved will he be? Will Hafley lean heavily on Achane and allow him to handle the majority of the workload, or will Wright see enough opportunities to become a consistent part of the weekly game plan?
That could be especially important for a Dolphins team that's projected by many to be near the bottom of the league. If Miami struggles to win games, there may be little reason to put a massive workload on Achane every week. While Achane is one of the team's most explosive offensive weapons, keeping him healthy and fresh could be just as important as maximizing his touches.
That's where Wright and Gordon can provide valuable relief.
Wright has the speed and explosiveness to give the offense a different look when Achane comes off the field, while Gordon brings a more physical style to the backfield. Having those different skill sets available could allow Hafley to keep Achane from being overworked while still maintaining a productive rushing attack.
There is also the possibility that the Dolphins use the rotation based on game situation. If Miami is in a close game late, Achane could get most of the touches. But if the Dolphins build a lead or fall behind significantly, Hafley could turn to Wright and Gordon more often. How those carries are distributed could tell us a lot about Hafley’s philosophy and how much he values keeping his top running back fresh over the course of a long season.
Ultimately, the backfield rotation will be something worth monitoring as the season progresses. Achane is going to be the headliner, but the way Hafley utilizes Wright and Gordon could have a significant impact on the Dolphins' offense.
We will get our first real glimpse of what that rotation could look like on Sunday night when the Dolphins take on the Las Vegas Raiders. How many carries does Achane receive? How involved is Wright? Does Gordon get an opportunity to show what he can bring to the offense? Answers could provide an early indication of what the Dolphins' backfield will look like under Hafley.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: How will the Dolphins utilize their backfield Week 1?
