Last Year the Phins Didn’t take Full Advantage of the New Kick Off Rules
The NFL the kickoff changes from last year may quietly favor this Miami Dolphins offense compared to Mike McDaniel’s far more than many realize.
With the new kickoff structure improving average starting field position, offenses are being handed a shorter field than before. In recent seasons, teams often started around the 22-yard line. Under the new kickoff environment, that number jumped closer to the 32. That may not sound massive, but in a league where the average margin of victory sits around one or two scores, those extra yards matter.
For Miami, that change fits directly into the larger offensive vision: run the football, avoid three-and-outs, create manageable downs, and use explosive play action plays to manufacture points. McDaniel’s offense was near the tops of the league in three and outs, never stayed committed to the run, and his pass happy offense was always off schedule.
This is where the new commitment to running the footballs and De’Von Achane becomes the key.
Achane’s 2026 Season May Prove to be his Best
Even with a struggling offensive line, a predictable attack, and defenses often sitting on Miami’s tendencies, Achane still produced explosive plays at an elite rate. His big-play percentage (#1in the NFL) gives the Dolphins a built-in scoring threat. If he gets 15 to 20 touches in a more balanced, physical offense, Miami does not need to be perfect.
If a team had one chunk play within their first 3-6 plays the chance to score points ranged from 72%-82%.
Just one chunk play did it and it was all based off the run game success on 1st Down.
That is the real point of the run game.
A Balanced Offense is a Scoring Offense
Establishing the run is not simply about piling up rushing yards or dominating the box score. It is about staying on schedule. A four-yard run on first down changes the defensive coordinator’s world. Now second down becomes balanced. The defense cannot sit on the pass. It has to respect the run, close the middle of the field, bring bodies forward, and protect the interior.
In fact, just 4-6 yards on the ground on 1st Down had opposing DCs calling Middle Field Closed defenses 58.8% of the time. This means the defense is leaving the edges thin to focus on the middle of the field and the line of scrimmage. If an OC knows the opposition will be leaning heavy to this formation, then they have an advantage and that is when play action starts to matter.
If the Dolphins commit to running the ball with enough consistency, the passing game can become easier without needing to be high-volume. Play action can create space outside the numbers, open crossing routes, slow linebackers, and give Malik Willis chances to use his movement skills. Miami does not need to live off deep drops and pure dropback passing. It can build explosives through misdirection, timing, and defensive hesitation.
The danger is three-and-outs.
In this new environment, empty possessions do double damage. Not only does the offense waste its improved field position, but it gives opponents the ball back in favorable territory. Without an elite defense to erase those mistakes, Miami has to protect possessions through efficiency.
You can bet with the best pay per head that is why the Dolphins’ offensive formula is clear. Run enough to force respect. Stay ahead of the chains. Use Achane’s explosion. Work playaction. Avoid drive-killing mistakes.
This does not mean Miami is suddenly a Super Bowl team. It does mean the “bottom of the league” projections may be too harsh. It also means that this run first philosophy will do more to take advantage of this rule change than Mike McDaniel’s pass happy scheme ever did.
If the Dolphins can commit to running the ball at even a respectable level, pair it with improved blocking, and let Achane flip field position with explosive touches, this offense has a path to real success.
In today’s NFL cycle, one big play can change a drive.
For Miami, Achane may be the player who changes the season.
Go Phins!!!