Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said Caleb Douglas will not practice Sept. 23, while Chop Robinson is scheduled to practice and Jaylen Wright will be limited as the team prepares for its first home game against the Chiefs.
Hafley said Douglas will be evaluated for the following day. He also directed questions about Robinson’s concussion history to the medical team, saying, “Chop will practice today.”
Douglas out of practice, Wright limited
Douglas will not practice on Sept. 23, and Hafley said the team will see how he is for the following day. The coach did not provide a further timetable for Douglas.
Robinson is expected to practice, while Wright is expected to be limited. Hafley said Robinson’s medical questions should be handled by the medical team.
Taaffe earning Hafley’s trust
Hafley praised rookie Michael Taaffe’s communication, processing and preparation. He said Taaffe recognizes what he sees, communicates it to teammates and continues to develop while facing veteran players, teams and coordinators.
“He’s a football guy,” Hafley said. Hafley added that Taaffe still has room to grow, but his preparation and understanding of the game have helped him earn the coach’s trust.
Dolphins seeking more defensive pressure
Hafley said Miami must find ways to generate more pressure after not producing enough sacks. He said the coaching staff may need to use players in different positions, add changes to the scheme or make a larger defensive adjustment.
“I don’t have time to get frustrated,” Hafley said. He said his focus is on improving each day and helping the Dolphins generate pressure.
Leadership remains a priority
Hafley said he is maintaining open communication with Miami’s veterans about the team’s progress and expectations. He said the Dolphins need their best players to perform at their best and lead.
He also said the coaching staff is working to identify young players with leadership qualities and cultivate those traits. Hafley emphasized that leadership and communication will remain important as the team continues to develop.
Preparing for Kenneth Walker and Patrick Mahomes
Hafley identified Kenneth Walker as a premier running back who was leading the National Football League in rushing at the time of the Sept. 23 press conference. He praised Walker’s physical running style and ability to add another dimension to the Chiefs’ offense.
Hafley also highlighted the challenge of preparing for Patrick Mahomes. He praised Mahomes’ command at the line of scrimmage, mobility and ability to keep plays alive, saying, “He’s in total command at the line of scrimmage.”
The coach said the Chiefs’ offense presents multiple threats and that Miami must account for both the running game and the passing game. He also noted that the Chiefs’ use of under-center formations requires careful preparation.
Rookies contributing in the run game
Hafley said Michael Taaffe and rookie Chris Johnson have stood out in their run fits. He explained that safety responsibilities vary based on the coverage and defensive call, including whether a player is aligned on the edge or inserted into the middle.
Hafley credited Ryan Downard with coaching the safeties in the run game. He said the Dolphins ask their safeties to play an active role against the run and that the rookies have responded with the right mindset.
Miami prepares for its first home game
Miami is preparing for its first home game against the Chiefs. Hafley said many young players will experience a home game at the stadium for the first time.
“It’ll be nice to get back into our stadium for the first time,” Hafley said. He described the opportunity to play in front of the team’s fans as an important experience for the young players.
FSB Take
The Dolphins’ immediate priorities are defined by the Sept. 23 practice report and Hafley’s defensive focus. Miami will monitor Douglas, Robinson and Wright while working to create more pressure and maintain communication across a young team.
The first home game also gives Taaffe and other young players an opportunity to continue developing in front of Miami’s fans. The preparation for Walker and Mahomes will test the Dolphins’ ability to handle both the Chiefs’ running threat and Mahomes’ playmaking ability.
Source: Original report