De'Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins | Rich Storry/GettyImages
The Indianapolis Colts are a huge unknown this coming season. While many national pundits have foolishly implied the team might be "tanking" in 2025 due to starting Daniel Jones, the fact is that Indy has a good roster overall and could make a playoff push.
That could begin in Week 1 in Indianapolis against the Miami Dolphins. Miami, too, might be getting undersold a bit. Sure, its defense seems worse than last season, especially after trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but the offense might be difficult to stop.
Mike McDaniel, for all the criticism he gets for his teams not being tough, is a creative play-caller. With a healthy Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback to work with, the Dolphins are dangerous. They might be able to outscore Indy, even if Jones impresses as QB1.
Dolphins running back De'Von Achane expected to play versus the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1
The Colts' defense's job just got a bit more difficult, too. Miami running back De'Von Achane suffered a calf injury in training camp and missed the preseason. Unfortunately for Indianapolis, Achane will be back at practice on Monday, and McDaniel expects the running back to be available for Week 1.
Achane was a surprise standout for the Dolphins as a rookie in 2023, and averaged 7.8 yards per rush. He ran for 800 yards despite starting just four games. He also caught 27 passes.
Last year, Miami used the running back in more versatile ways. He averaged fewer yards per rush, but still a solid 4.5 yards per carry. But he jumped from 27 receptions to 78 in 2024. His 1,499 total yards ranked 12th in the league.
McDaniel knows how to stack together a great passing game, but he understands balancing that with a terrific running attack. One does not work without the other.
Last year, when the Indianapolis Colts faced the Miami Dolphins, Indy was able to keep Achane fairly under control. The running back ran for 77 yards and caught two passes, but he didn't score a touchdown. Indianapolis won the game 16-10.
The Colts might need to work the same magic in Week 1. Daniel Jones might not turn the ball over as much as backup quarterback Anthony Richardson might, but a Jones-led offense also hasn't been overly explosive. Indianapolis will likely need to win a close game, and keeping De'Von Achane in check will be a must.
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