Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Mostert looks to be leader in revamped rushing attack
Ever have one of those moments where you’re supposed to know someone, begin a conversation with them, but it takes you a minute — or five — to identify exactly who you’re talking to?
That’s how Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds’ first meeting as the newest members of the Miami Dolphins backfield went last week for Mostert when their paths crossed while taking their team physicals to finalize their signings as free agents.
“I didn’t really realize who it was sitting in the chair because he had gotten there a couple of hours before I did,” Mostert recalled on Monday of their chance encounter. “As I was walking by to go use the restroom, he stopped me and said, ‘Hey Raheem, big fan. Blah, blah, blah, but I couldn’t recognize him because he had his mask on.
“He was like, ‘I’m Chase,” Mostert said. “I just dapped (a greeting) him up and was like ‘What’s up man.’ ”
Mostert, who is the more accomplished tailback courtesy of the 1,610 rushing yards he’s gained on 284 carries over his six seasons with the 49ers, hopes Edmonds didn’t feel he was big-timing him.
That’s not the vibe Mostert wants to create in Miami’s tailback room, which he hopes will develop a “we’re all in this together” mentality when it comes to producing what Miami hopes will be a forceful and effective rushing attack.
Even though the starting spot and roles are up for grabs for everyone, and that includes holdovers Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed and Gerrid Doaks, Mostert plans to be a mentor in the room and helping instill the culture new coach Mike McDaniel wants to bring from his former team.
Mostert, who is six months into rehabbing a surgically repaired left knee, hopes to create an environment where the backs lean on one another.
He said that type of attitude is what led to success in San Francisco, where McDaniel served as the run-game coordinator for three years before becoming the offensive coordinator in 2021.
Mostert, who signed a one-year deal reportedly worth $3.1 million, and McDaniel kept in touch throughout the season and Mostert said a reunion was a top his agenda and it was the same for McDaniel.
Edmonds, who has rushed for 1,551 yards and nine rushing touchdowns on the 333 carries he had in regular-season games over the past four years, signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Dolphins because he wanted to be part of what McDaniel was building.
“I was following McDaniel. I believe he’s a guru. I’m told he’s a guru from players I trust,” said Edmonds, who also caught 128 passes for 921 yards and scored five touchdowns on receptions. “I believe he’ll find a way to utilize players. When you have a guy to do what he’s best at is when you’ll get the best out of a player.”
Rookie tailback Elijah Mitchell got the bulk of the 49ers carries (207) last season after Mostert got injured, and produced 963 of the 49ers’ 2,166 rushing yards.
But the season before that three tailbacks — Jeff Wilson, Mostert and Jerick McKinnon — handled 80-plus carries a piece. The season before that Tevin Coleman, Mostert and Matt Breida each handled 120-plus carries for a rushing attack that produced 2,305 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in the regular season.
“We lean on each other. It’s not so much I’m going to beat this guy out,” said Mostert, who has averaged 5.7 yards per carry during his career. “We’re all brothers. “We’re all in this together and this is how we’re going to operate. I want to see you win, and I hope you want to see me win . ... The mindset I have for the running back group is, ‘I’m going to help you feed your family. You help me feed mine.’ ”