Mike McDaniel gained recognition as a run game coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, where he developed various successful run schemes within the coaching philosophies of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. His impressive track record led to his hiring by the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Over his initial two seasons in South Florida, McDaniel showcased his innovative play calling and diverse running strategies, culminating in a record-setting performance in 2023 when Raheem Mostert established a franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a single season.
However, the 2024 season brought unexpected challenges. The effective run game that had propelled the Dolphins to the top of the league in 2023 vanished, leaving the offense one-dimensional and struggling. Heading into this season, there was a clear intent to create a more physical presence and emphasize the run game, aided by a revamped offensive line. Unfortunately, injuries disrupted those plans early in the season, forcing changes in the line-up as Austin Jackson and James Daniels, the team”s marquee free-agent acquisition, were placed on injured reserve. Additionally, rookie Jonah Savaiinaea faced difficulties, which cast doubt on the run game”s prospects for a second consecutive year, placing McDaniel”s future in Miami in jeopardy.
Despite these setbacks, McDaniel demonstrated adaptability. Starting with a victory against the Atlanta Falcons in week eight, the Dolphins shifted their offensive focus toward the run game, where they discovered significant success. During that matchup, they incorporated more offensive formations, including the addition of a sixth lineman, Daniel Brunskill. That victory in Atlanta marked the beginning of a turnaround, as the Dolphins went on to win three of their next four games, amassing impressive rushing yards of 197, 169, and 164 in wins against Buffalo, Washington, and New Orleans.
The standout performer in this resurgence has been De”Von Achane, who has already surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season, marking his first time reaching that milestone in a single year. Achane has proven to be a vital asset on the ground, and when he and the Dolphins are able to establish a strong rushing attack, their chances of winning dramatically increase. It seems that the tide may have turned for Miami during that pivotal game against Atlanta, and the hope is that they will continue to prioritize the ground game, which is evidently yielding positive results.
