Miami Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane earns our “Player of the Game” honors after a legendary performance in the 70-20 rout of the Denver Broncos.
With the injury to Salvon Ahmed last week, Achane was given an opportunity in the backfield alongside Raheem Mostert. It was a touchdown fest for the duo in as dominant of a win as fans will ever witness in an NFL game.
Buy Dolphins TicketsThere was high anticipation for Achane coming into the season, and the young speedster exceeded expectations, as he finished the game with 203 yards on 18 carries (11.3 yards per attempt) and two rushing touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game, catching four passes for 30 yards and two touchdowns.
Achane was the driving force in the 70-point beatdown of the Broncos. His first carry went for 26 yards, setting the Dolphins up at the Denver 35. The same drive ended with Achane scoring his first career touchdown from eight yards out, giving Miami a 14-0 lead.
Devon Achane barrels in for his first career TD!
📺: #DENvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UQdQ05hqXN pic.twitter.com/BI27ixpY4T— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2023
Achane’s explosiveness continued to set the tone for the remainder of the game. The Dolphins’ ensuing drive resulted in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finding the former Aggie on a no-look shovel pass for another touchdown.
Tua with the no-look shovel pass for the touchdown to Devon Achane. Highlight reel stuff 🎥 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/tEtbltPb95
— Geoff Abbott (@VisionaryDigMar) September 24, 2023
Achane turned his performance up a notch in the second half.
On the first offensive series of the third quarter, Achane burst through for a 40-yard carry setting up the Dolphins with first-and-goal at the 5-yard line. This resulted in a Mostert rushing touchdown to give them a 42-13 lead.
While it seemed the Dolphins should put the game on ice and run the clock out, Achane wasn’t finished. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Tagovailoa once again completed a shovel pass to Achane who did the rest of the work for the rookie’s third touchdown on the day.
Three touchdown today for Devon Achane #FinsUp #FPC #NFL #NFLTwitter
— Full Press NFL (@FullPressNFL) September 24, 2023
The grand finale came with 8:12 left in the game. Achane rushed to the left for a 67-yard touchdown to put him over 200 yards and the Dolphins at 70 points. The Dolphins’ offense came within two points of the NFL regular-season record.
DEVON ACHANE 67-YARD TD
THE DOLPHINS HAVE 70 POINTS.
📺: #DENvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UQdQ05hqXN pic.twitter.com/bZOSLxVaoa— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2023
This historically great offensive performance was headlined by a rookie drafted in the third round who came into training camp competing for the third and fourth spots on the depth chart. It was even thought that Achane might have to see the field first as a kick returner.
This is the seventh 200-yard rushing game in Dolphins’ franchise history. Achane joins a club including Ricky Williams, Jay Ajayi, and Reggie Bush. The unique part about Achane’s performance is he had the most touchdowns out of any of the other 200-yard performances with his involvement in the passing game.
Every football fan will know Achane after this game. To have a performance like this when called upon is a special moment in team history. The Dolphins continue to stay hot, as the team remains undefeated through three weeks.
Miami’s offense was already arguably the top in the NFL, and they’ve now introduced a new weapon. Look for Achane to have a continuous impact as the season starts to take shape.
