Does the NFL’s best running back duo belong to the Lions or Dolphins?
While possessing the league’s top wide receiver tandem in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Miami Dolphins’ running game is often overlooked. In one of the NFL’s top offenses, however, the running backs play a substantial role.
Veteran back Raheem Mostert put up career-best numbers in 2023, accumulating 1,012 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, and an additional three receiving touchdowns. Rookie De’Von Achane emerged as a top threat with 800 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns in 11 games.
The two were recently coined the NFL’s best running back duo by Pro Football Focus. The choice received criticism, as viewers argued the Detroit Lions deserve the credit instead.
How do the running back pairs compare?
Detroit Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were the sole duo to surpass the Dolphins in 2023. The tandem accumulated 1,960 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns, 433 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown.
Montgomery led the team with 1,015 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Gibbs thrived during his rookie campaign, recording 945 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
While the Lions came out on top with 148 more rushing yards and 61 additional receiving yards, Mostert and Achane combined for 32 touchdowns from scrimmage, finding the end zone eight more times than Montgomery and Gibbs.
