Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell will start in Week 1, with winning remaining the priority. Hafley also said Bell will not have a pitch count. The comments came during a media availability published by the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 9, 2026.
“Winning is the priority. We’re not going to put a guy out there Week 1 just to see what we have. We believe those guys deserve to start and we’re going to start them,” Hafley said. He added that the Dolphins will evaluate what the players need to improve while continuing to prioritize winning.
Miami Dolphins will use three safeties Sunday
Hafley identified Dante Trader Jr., Zayne Anderson and Michael Taaffe as starters at safety and said all three will play Sunday. “I see all three of them as starters, and I think you’re going to see the same thing as we play in the game on Sunday,” Hafley said. He said the Dolphins will count on and rely on each player.
Hafley described Kyle Louis as a versatile player who has been working primarily with the safeties while continuing to line up at linebacker. Louis also has worked as a linebacker and an apex cover-down nickel, according to Hafley. The coach said he listed Louis with the safeties because the player had been working there most often.
Miami Dolphins emphasize turnovers and penalties
The Dolphins scheduled practice for 1 p.m. to maximize meeting, installation and walkthrough time while also considering the team’s 1 p.m. game schedule. Hafley said many rookies will play Sunday but did not provide a specific number. He said the team must focus on its own rules, fundamentals and techniques because there are few opponent tendencies available early in the season.
“Turnover margin. Turnover margin is going to be huge, especially early in the season,” Hafley said. He also identified penalties as an important early-season factor. Hafley said pre-snap mistakes and other self-inflicted errors can create difficult down-and-distance situations.
The depth chart’s 4-2-5 alignment was listed against 11 personnel, Hafley said. He explained that the defense could also appear as a 4-3 depending on the personnel and terminology. The difference can depend on whether a player is identified as a linebacker or defensive back.
Jacob Rodriguez earns defensive communication role
Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has earned the responsibility of wearing the green dot on defense, according to Hafley. Rodriguez has worked with Hafley on calls and communication, including reviewing the call sheet and developing the cadence used to relay instructions. “I’m excited for him. He’s earned it. He works really hard at it,” Hafley said.
Hafley said Malik Willis has been studying, meeting with wide receivers and maintaining a positive approach during the week. Jason Marshall Jr. is entering his second year and will work exclusively on the outside at cornerback. JuJu Brents has an opportunity to gain experience if he remains healthy.
Hafley said the Dolphins will focus early in the season on their own rules, fundamentals and techniques while the team learns more about its personnel and how players execute in games. He also said his play calling will be based on what the team can execute at a high level. “I’m going to call what I believe our guys can execute on a high level,” Hafley said.
Source: Original report