Despite their Wild Card round exit at the hands of Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs, the Miami Dolphins showcased considerable promise for the future.
This was particularly evident in their running back unit, recently hailed as the second-best in the NFL by PFF.
The Dolphins’ 2023 season was marked by significant strides under the leadership of general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. They improved on their previous 9-8 records, securing another playoff berth. Midway through the season, Miami looked poised to clinch their first AFC East division title since 2008, holding a substantial lead over the Buffalo Bills. However, their hopes were dashed as they faltered towards the end, culminating in a critical Week 18 loss to the Bills that cost them the division title. In the playoffs, they were swiftly eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs.
Despite these setbacks, Miami achieved notable milestones in 2023. They made headlines in Week 3 by becoming the first team in over five decades to score 70 points in a single game, dominating the Broncos 70-20. Additionally, they bolstered their roster midseason with the acquisition of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Miami’s focus will be on bridging the gap with top AFC contenders like the Bills and Chiefs. Their running back group, ranked second-best in the league, remains a cornerstone of their strategy. Led by standout backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, who both earned impressive rushing grades, the Dolphins are also counting on rookie addition Jaylen Wright to bolster their backfield depth.
As they aim to end their playoff win drought, all eyes will be on Miami to see if their dynamic running back corps can propel them to new heights in the upcoming season.