The next time the Miami Dolphins play, they could have the NFL‘s most explosive running back of 2023 (so far) back in the lineup.
But even if De’Von Achane (knee) isn’t yet ready to return from injured reserve, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel should rearrange his depth chart.
With more than a half-season of evidence, it’s fair to say that Salvon Ahmed is hurting the Dolphins more than he’s helping him. And Miami’s Week 9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs should be the last time Ahmed outsnaps any Dolphins running back for the rest of the season.
The Case for Benching Miami Dolphins RB Salvon Ahmed
Ahmed on Sunday was the Dolphins’ RB2 ahead of Jeff Wilson despite having below-replacement level production.
Snap counts for Dolphins-Chiefs pic.twitter.com/knzLVSHqmd
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) November 6, 2023
Ahmed had 12 yards from scrimmage on five touches, including four rushing yards on three carries. And yet, Ahmed had the second-most snaps (19) among Dolphins running backs, behind only Raheem Mostert.
Wilson, meanwhile, produced more than three times as many yards on offense (38) with the same number of touches and eight fewer snaps.
Sunday’s output wasn’t a one-off. It’s been the continuation of a year-long issue.
Ahmed in 2023 has been on the field for 115 of the Dolphins’ 578 snaps — second-most to only Mostert (337). Now, injuries have played a role in this, of course. Achane has just 14 fewer snaps than Ahmed despite appearing in four fewer games.
And if Achane is indeed available to return after the bye, Ahmed’s role will absolutely shrink. But it should — even if Achane isn’t ready to roll.
Ahmed ranks last among Dolphins running backs in 2023 in yards per carry (2.9), yards per catch (4.8), and receiving success rate (30%). He’s ahead of only rookie free agent Chris Brooks (who is also on IR) in rushing success rate (36.8).
Wilson, meanwhile, has averaged 4.1 yards per carry, and 8.3 yards per catch. He has success rates of 57.1% when he rushes and 42.9% when he’s the receiving target.
MORE: The Miami Dolphins Defense Deserved Better in Week 9
These numbers back up what we’ve seen with our own eyes.
Ahmed’s inability to break a tackle on his final carry Sunday contributed directly to Miami’s loss.
Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. shot into the backfield on first-and-10 from the KC 38-yard line with just under six minutes left in regulation Sunday, dropping Ahmed for a six-yard loss.
That derailed an until-then-successful Dolphins drive that had the potential to tie the game.
McDaniel, wisely, only gave the ball to Mostert the rest of the way.
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