Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane dishes on a surprising fact about his game that could change everything
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is a dual threat. But there’s a whole new level to be found based on a fact he revealed on Sunday.
The Miami Dolphins‘ offense is going to run through De’Von Achane in 2026.
Achane is now a handsomely compensated offensive weapon. The rest of Miami’s skill group is unproven, although there’s plenty of upside with a couple of young pass catchers. Achane’s on a different plane of existence in compensation and track record — so plan accordingly. During a post-practice interview with NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe and Steve Smith Sr., Achane dished on where he most likes to make an impact in the passing game. His answer may surprise you.
Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane loves running slants from out wide
“For me, going out of the backfield and being a running back, linebackers are always thinking that we’re running go routes. So I like to run slants, stuff like that. They’re scared to get beat, so they’re ready to bail, so slant, stuff like that. Any in-breaking route, they’re not expecting that from a running back. So every time I go out there (wide), I always talk about I don’t want to just be out there running go balls all day. I could do that, but at the same time? Every linebacker who’s covering me, they’re going to be ready to bail.
— Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane
So hey — let’s see Achane running some more slants while flexed wide in 2026! Last season we saw Achane running screen variations on over 10% of his total route distribution. That, plus traditional flares and flat routes made up more than half of his total routes run. Slants? It wasn’t among his five most-frequently assigned routes.
Achane’s average depth of target was less than a half of one yard downfield. That’s not necessarily abnormal for a running back, but it does underscore where Miami can get some more productive targets for their star and, potentially, dramatically boost his production in the passing game. So if Achane thinks he can cook in the quick game based on matchups, Bobby Slowik and the 2026 Miami Dolphins should be ready to find out if he’s right.
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