MIAMI GARDENS -- Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane became the fourth running back in franchise history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 12 games in Sunday's 21-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
And, yes, he thinks about his possible contract extension at the end of the season and his future with the team. He told me as much a few days ago in the Dolphins (5-7) locker room.
"A little bit," said Achane, who has a career-best 1,034 yards rushing this season. "I mean, it's not something you can't think about. Like you said, it's my future. But we've got to see what goes on, see what the season holds and see how we look at the end of the season."
Here's how it's going to look: Achane, the Dolphins' speedy 2023 third-round pick and best player on the active roster (wide receiver Tyreek Hill is on injured reserve), will likely win team MVP, an award voted on by local media; he'll likely earn a Pro Bowl berth; and he'll want to get paid.
And the Dolphins better pay the man.
A big reason why the Dolphins have won three in a row and four of their past five games is because Achane, who rushed for 132 yards on 22 carries against the Saints, took over the offense in the absence of Hill and tight end Darren Waller, who return to the lineup Sunday. That's right. Achane carried the Miami offense better than either quarterback Tua Tagovailoa or wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Achane could end up with the No. 2 single-season rushing total in franchise history. He won't catch Ricky Williams' 1,853 yards rushing in 2003, which is No. 1 on the list. But rounding out the top five totals on the list, Achane could reach Williams' 1,372 yards in 2003, which is No. 2 on the list; or Jay Ajayi's 1,272 yards in 2016; or Delvin Williams' 1,258 yards in 1978; or Lamar Smith's 1,139 yards in 2000.
Achane has already joined Larry Csonka (1972), Delvin Williams (1978) and Ricky Williams (2002, 2003) in reaching 1,000 yards rushing in 12 games.
A rough outline of Achane's extension could be the four-year, $48 million extension, with $30 million guaranteed, that Buffalo Bills running back James Cook got earlier this year.
Achane is that good. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that Achane is a beast.
Last season he gained 1,499 yards from scrimmage (907 rushing, 592 receiving). This season he's got 1,404 yards from scrimmage (1,034 yards rushing, 370 yards receiving) with five games remaining.
And here's one of the most impressive things about Achane -- at 5 foot 9, 191 pounds, he's become more durable as his career has progressed.
Achane missed six games as a rookie. He didn't miss any games last season despite sustaining a concussion. He hasn't been close to an injury this season even though his 240 touches from scrimmage through 11 games are almost equal to last year's 281 touches through 17 games.
"He's making players miss a ton," coach Mike McDaniel said, "but he's also getting some dirty yardage driving the pile, which is a big part of winning football. I can't say enough great things about Von."
As for moving the pile and falling forward when tackled, Achane has a simple explanation.
"When I run, I'm already low to the ground, I have a strong body," he said. "So when I bounce off contact, I always try to make sure that I'm going forward."
Beyond that, defenders don't get a straight shot on Achane. That's another reason for his durability.
"You're trying to make guys miss, trying to get on the edge of guys," he said.
Achane got things going early Sunday with his 29-yard touchdown run, the Dolphins’ only touchdown of the game. He kept things going by being steady.
In his past three games, all Dolphins wins, Achane has rushed for 428 yards (174 vs. Buffalo, 120 vs. Washington and 134 vs. New Orleans). And he’s not really impressed. I asked him about his season’s success a few days ago.
"It's just my job, it's what I'm supposed to do," he said matter-of-factly.
Achane went on to tell me that in youth football and high school he's had games where he scored seven or eight touchdowns.
"I've been playing football for a long time," he said,"so it's like I'm kind of used to doing crazy stuff."
Achane has been the key to the Dolphins' resurgence and change of fortunes this season.
The Dolphins started the season 8-11 over the past two years when they rushed for at least 100 yards. They're 5-2 this year in that situation, including 3-1 when Achane rushes for more than 100 yards.
Achane will almost certainly be the unanimous choice for team MVP. He said he wants to earn Pro Bowl berths and make All-Pro teams. But what might mean more is being named Dolphins MVP. He values the significance of that honor.
"It shows what value I bring," he said.
The same can be said for the Dolphins' past three victories.