Miami Dolphins football coach Jeff Hafley said the team will rely on a larger contribution from its available running backs after De’Von Achane’s absence, while Jaylen Wright remains day-to-day and the organization considers whether to add a player from outside the team.
Hafley also voiced his support for Achane during his Sept. 28 media availability. “My heart breaks for the guy,” Hafley said, adding that Achane will return strong and has a “really, really, really bright future.” Hafley said Achane’s leadership, energy and development have made him an important part of the team.
Miami Dolphins remain committed to running the football
Hafley said the Dolphins will maintain their commitment to the ground game despite the change in personnel. “That philosophy remains. I want to run the football,” he said, pointing to his confidence in the offensive line and the running backs currently on the 53-man roster and practice squad.
Ollie Gordon drew praise for running hard and playing physically in the previous game. Hafley also highlighted Malik Washington’s contribution and said DJ Herman handled an expanded role on third down as a one-back option while providing solid protection.
Rather than assigning the workload permanently to one player, Hafley said each back could have a different role from game to game. One player could take the first snap, while another could receive more touches in a different matchup. “I have total confidence in those guys that we’re going to be able to run the football,” Hafley said.
Jaylen Wright is day-to-day after entering the previous game as doubtful and being held out. Hafley said the Dolphins would see how Wright feels and determine whether he can practice Wednesday.
The team also did not have a definitive date for Achane’s surgery as of the media availability. Hafley said he expected to know more the following day and planned to discuss a potential outside addition with Sully. He said he remained comfortable with the running backs currently on the roster and practice squad.
Jeff Hafley praises Miami Dolphins offensive line
Hafley credited the offensive line with helping the Dolphins move the ball and control possession in the previous game. He praised Brew, Proctor and Pat for their aggressive play, said Jonah played his best game of the year, and said Austin took a step forward.
Hafley said both the offensive plan and the line’s execution contributed to Chris Jones not being heard from frequently during the game. He also praised the protection against one of the league’s best interior defensive linemen and said the Dolphins’ ability to control the clock was connected to the line’s performance.
Jordan Phillips, Miami Dolphins secondary receive defensive praise
Jordan Phillips received specific recognition for his run defense. Hafley said Phillips was outstanding, helped set the edge and knocked back the line of scrimmage. “I think he’s one of the most untalked about underrated players on our roster right now,” Hafley said.
Hafley said Trader and Taaffe remained together at safety because of their communication and effective play. He said Trader played physically and Taaffe was frequently around the ball. Chris and Wood also received snaps in the nickel package, with Hafley describing Wood as a physical player who earned an opportunity after performing well in practice.
Miami Dolphins address penalties and slow defensive start
Hafley said the coaching staff addressed penalties that erased a touchdown and a sack. The negated touchdown would have tied the game at 14-14, while an illegal-contact penalty on Taaffe erased a third-down stop and sack. Hafley said the Dolphins must coach their young players through those situations and eliminate opportunities for officials to throw a flag.
Hafley said Chop Robinson came free on a pass-rush call but was penalized after contacting the quarterback. He said the coaching staff would continue reviewing the play and finding ways to coach it better. “We just got to keep watching it and learn how to coach it better,” Hafley said.
The defense also needs to start faster after allowing a score on the opening drive of the previous game. Hafley said the unit eventually settled in and produced important stops, including third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 stops. He said the Dolphins must focus on doing their jobs from the beginning.
Caleb Douglas is day-to-day, and the team will determine whether he can practice Wednesday. Hafley said the Dolphins would monitor how Douglas feels before making that decision.
Malik shows progress while needing better ball security
Hafley said Malik made better decisions and got the ball out more quickly in the previous game. He said the quarterback’s decision-making process improved and that the Dolphins will continue working on deep throws. “He got better. I thought he made better decisions than he did and that’s a step forward for him,” Hafley said.
Ball security remains an emphasis after Malik lost a fumble. Hafley said the quarterback must continue working on protecting the football, particularly because he is involved as a runner and takes contact during games.
The kickoff-return unit generally provided good field position, according to Hafley. He said Coleman had a strong return negated by a holding penalty, but he was pleased with the unit’s overall performance.
FSB Take
The Dolphins are treating Achane’s absence as a collective backfield challenge while preserving their commitment to running the football. Gordon, Washington, Herman and the other available backs are expected to have roles, while Wright’s day-to-day status could affect the rotation.
The next updates will involve Achane’s surgery date, Wright’s practice status and the team’s decision on a possible outside addition. Hafley’s comments also identified execution areas for Miami, including ball security, penalties and a faster defensive start.
Source: Original report