NFL

Miami Dolphins Breakout Candidates in 2023 Include Devon Achane, Kader Kohou, and Malik Reed

Published

11 months ago

June 2, 2023

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In 2022, the Miami Dolphins fielded one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL and got even faster this offseason. After adding another star in cornerback Jalen Ramsey to their defense, Miami looks to become Super Bowl contenders this season. To get there, it’ll take breakout performances from some of their role players.

With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa headlining an offense hoping to be more balanced in 2023 and high-end talent throughout their athletic defense, role players are in a better position to break out this year. We dive into the three Dolphins breakout candidates this season beyond players who have established themselves as foundational pieces.

Miami Dolphins Breakout Candidates in 2023

RB Devon Achane

Taken in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft class, Devon Achane has a wide range of outcomes for his rookie season. The Dolphins are still rumored to be interested in acquiring Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook if he’s traded or released. Bringing in Cook would immediately end the 2023 hype for Achane, but until then, the latter deserves to be nominated as a breakout candidate — even as a newcomer.

The Dolphins have said all of the right things when it comes to reprioritizing the running game in 2023. Head coach Mike McDaniel installed a stellar passing game in his first season, but his background features a history of building around a great rush attack. He apologized to the team for not running more in 2022 despite being successful when they tried.

Even with both Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. back after entering free agency this offseason, Miami added Achane. McDaniel said he was “excited” to add Achane to the unit not only because he’s fast but because his skill set fits their vision. Achane’s former head coach, Jimbo Fisher, summarized Achane’s abilities well, noting, “He’s a football player who ran track.”

MORE: Are the Miami Dolphins a Top-5 Defense Heading Into 2023?

Achane doesn’t have a direct line to playing time right away. Mostert was very good as a starter down the stretch of 2022, finishing with 4.9 yards per carry. Both he and Wilson have more size than Achane as well, so it’s possible Achane is initially used as a rotational back.

Yet, both Mostert and Wilson have struggled to stay healthy throughout their careers. Achane has already beefed up from 188 pounds to 192. If he can handle a bigger workload, it wouldn’t be surprising for Achane to take over the lead-back role at some point in 2023.

CB Kader Kohou

An undrafted free agent from Texas A&M-Commerce who fell through the cracks throughout the 2022 NFL Draft cycle, Kader Kohou had an impressive rookie season. When Nik Needham suffered a torn Achilles in Week 6, Kohou found a role as Miami’s nickel cornerback. He stepped up, finishing fifth in tackles on the team, breaking up 10 passes, and catching one interception.

With Xavien Howard and Ramsey both hoping to benefit from an improved scheme from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and a more effective pass rush, Kohou can be in a unique position. If Howard and Ramsey are able to turn back the clocks a bit and turn in high-quality seasons, then Kohou can be a roaming force on a very talented Dolphins’ defense.

MORE: Miami Dolphins — How Was Their Roster Built?

Some improvement is needed from Kohou in coverage. Last season, he allowed 59.1% of 115 targets to be completed for 698 yards and three touchdowns, which looked good compared to Miami’s other corners but aren’t great numbers. Needham was better in 2021, giving up only 7.3 yards per target and zero touchdowns.

However, Kohou will be more set up for success this coming season because his surrounding cast will be stronger. Nickel cornerbacks are reliant on scheme and those around them to be playmakers. Kohou wasn’t in the right situation to be more than a good run defender who could make an occasional play on the ball.

EDGE Malik Reed

Miami has built a solid EDGE rotation after seeing their unit struggle to log sacks despite a blitz-heavy approach in 2022. Even with expectations for Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips to lead the unit under Fangio’s expert tutelage, there will be opportunities for rotational rushers to make an impact.

Malik Reed opted to sign with Miami this offseason to rejoin with Fangio and Chubb. The last time Reed played with Chubb under Fangio in Denver, Reed recorded 15 sacks, 47 QB pressures, and 35 hurries in 45 games. Reed lauded Fangio, saying, “He helps get us in the right positions to be successful.”

MORE: Could the Dolphins Trade Tyreek Hill in 2023?

The former undrafted free agent proved to be a quality rotational player with 13 sacks between 2020 and 2021. Though Reed flamed out in Pittsburgh in 2022, he’ll only be 27 this fall and will be more comfortable with Miami with familiar faces around him.

The 6’2″, 235-pounder doesn’t need to be a star, but with the Dolphins opting to move Andrew Van Ginkel inside more, someone has to be a reliable player who can substitute in for Phillips and Chubb when they need a breath.

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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

Legend 😂 pic.twitter.com/hk27JTAXZ9

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

“If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X.

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said.

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted.

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

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Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw appeared to suffer an injury while running on the field.

pic.twitter.com/zx0l1NjTew

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is now officially out for the game.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

He can’t sit in the back? pic.twitter.com/9jpz0rdoF1

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 12, 2024

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

And now, the end is near.

And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain. pic.twitter.com/YgIEGOAMb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 11, 2024

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.