This summer one of the biggest stories in the NFL was the devolution of the running back position. Once upon a time offenses were built around a “bell-cow” back or a rotation of runners that could wear down a defense to set up big plays in the passing game. Now, in the modern NFL, running backs are used to create big plays setup by the passing game. There are three rookie running backs making a huge splash, two drafted in the first round in Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, and a third that might be the best playmaker of the bunch four weeks into the season – De’Von Achane.
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Through four games this season the running back fraternity in the NFL has come out in full force. Some veterans are playing like true MVP candidates, while three rookies are trying to dispel the narrative that the position is dead, invaluable and “any ‘ol running back” can be plugged in for 10-20 snaps a game for a Super Bowl contender.
Robinson came into the NFL draft with the hype of being a generational talent. He has been as good as advertised, with 318 yards per game on the ground, 6.0 yards per carry with 134 more yards as a receiver with a touchdown. Robinson is going to be an every down back that anchors the Falcons offense for years to come.
Gibbs has had less of an impact with less opportunity for a very good Lions team with several weapons helping fuel its lead at the top of the NFC North. He has 179 yards on the ground and 70 more as a receiver, not getting into the endzone so far through four weeks.
Neither have done what Achane has done this season. The rookie running back has plugged into the Dolphins offense to take the team from very good, to borderline unstoppable through four weeks. Achane may not be the No. 1 running back on the depth chart or viewed as a dynamo, but he fits perfectly with the track team that is Miami.
Achane has only played three games this season, but leads Miami in rushing, total touchdowns and has become the team’s Tyreek Hill out of the backfield.
In his three games Achane is averaging 103.0 yards per game, 11.4 yards per carry and two trips to the endzone per game. He is putting up video game statistics for an offense that until last week, was unstoppable.
So far the only rookie that is a perfect weapon on a team taking them from very good to elite is the third round pick out of Texas A&M.
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