Bobby Slowik Says Dolphins Must Lean Heavier on De'Von Achane After Week 1

When the Dolphins hit the field at Allegiant Stadium for Week 1, the offense looked like it was walking through quicksand. Even though they threw the ball around, they never quite found a rhythm, and one glaring piece of the puzzle was missing: meaningful production from their most explosive weapon, running back De'Von Achane.

Achane was on the field for roughly 86 % of Miami’s offensive snaps, yet he managed just 36 rushing yards on 12 carries – a paltry 3.3 yards per attempt – and added a modest 30 yards through the air on four catches. Fourteen touches is a number the coaching staff hoped would spark a balanced attack, but the results were, frankly, underwhelming.

“De’Von is our best offensive player,” offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said in a Thursday press briefing, his tone a mix of frustration and resolve. “He wasn’t very effective against Las Vegas. If we had found more success on the ground, or hadn’t fallen behind early, we probably would have run the ball more. We still need to commit to getting him involved more.”

The comment wasn’t just a feel‑good platitude. It was an admission that the game plan – at least the portion that centered on the run – needs a revamp. Slowik hinted that Miami will look to open up more lanes, perhaps by mixing in play‑action or leveraging a tighter offensive line scheme to give Achane the space he thrives on.

That adjustment comes at a crucial time. The Dolphins head into Week 2 against a physically imposing San Francisco 49ers defense. While the Niners boast a formidable front seven, they’re also battling injuries: Alfred Collins, Mykel Williams, Sam Okuayinonu and Nick Martin are on IR, and key contributors Nick Bosa, Keion White, Dre Greenlaw and Khalid Kareem sit on the injury report.

For Miami, the injuries could be a double‑edged sword. On one hand, a depleted 49ers line might open up opportunities for the run game; on the other, the remaining defenders are still among the league’s most disruptive. Slowik’s plan, therefore, hinges on maximizing Achane’s explosiveness while staying mindful of the Niners’ pass‑rush talent.

Fans have already expressed concern after the 27‑13 loss to the Raiders, but the coach’s candidness offers a sliver of optimism. If the Dolphins can translate more snaps into yards for Achane, they could keep the ball out of the 49ers’ hands longer and avoid falling into a predictable passing rhythm that San Francisco loves to pressure.

Only time will tell if the adjustment pays off. What’s clear is that Slowik won’t let the early‑season stumble dictate the rest of the year. The next few weeks will be a test of whether Miami can re‑engineer its offense around the very player who, when given a chance, can flip a game in an instant.