Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said the completed preseason left the team facing difficult roster decisions ahead of cuts. Hafley discussed roster evaluations, injuries, player development and preparation for the regular season during his postgame media availability after the Aug. 28 game against Atlanta. “I am proud of them and I am sad that tomorrow, there’s going to be a lot of hard decisions to make,” Hafley said.
Hafley described his first training camp as Miami’s head coach as a daily learning process that included evaluating himself, reviewing the schedule, trusting his staff and communicating with players. He said the Dolphins had established a strong starting point but must stay committed to their plan through difficult moments. “But you got to remain true to yourself when things get hard, when things don’t come easy, you can’t flinch and you can’t veer off the plan,” Hafley said.
Chris Bell Returns to Game Action
Chris Bell made his preseason debut after working back from injuries and was placed on a pitch count. Hafley said Bell needed game action to rebuild his muscle memory, movement and suddenness after a lengthy period without playing football. Bell also took a hit during the game after spending an extended period in a noncontact jersey.
Hafley said Kyle Johnston and Todd Hunt helped Bell work back to the field. He said Bell had opportunities to catch the ball and that Miami intentionally tried to involve him early. Hafley added that Bell’s return to contact was an important part of his process.
Injuries Shaped Miami’s Evaluations
Quinn Ewers and Jacob Rodriguez were unable to play Aug. 28. Hafley said Ewers did not feel comfortable enough to return to a live practice setting, while Rodriguez had not practiced for several days and remained day to day. Hafley said the team wanted both players to be ready for the regular season.
Injuries influenced Miami’s decision to rest starters after one preseason series. Hafley said the Dolphins also wanted to continue evaluating players and get healthy for the regular season. Tyrel Dodson and Willie Gay played extended roles because Miami was short on available linebackers after Jordyn Brooks, Rodriguez and Ronnie Harrison Jr. were unavailable.
Miami Dolphins Defense Forces Three Turnovers Against Atlanta
Hafley said Miami’s defense forced two fumbles and recorded an interception against Atlanta’s starters. He praised the way the Dolphins competed and said players took advantage of the opportunity to face starting competition. Hafley also said the team challenged itself at halftime and played well in the second half.
Mark Gronowski and Cam Miller showed better timing and rhythm, according to Hafley. He praised Gronowski’s toughness as a runner and said he saw improvement from both players. Jarquez Hunter’s recent arrival left the coaching staff with limited tape, so Hafley said the team would review the film before making roster decisions.
Hafley said Miami wants to win every game while building a strong foundation. “I want to win in everything that we do, but I want to make sure that as we build this year, we’re doing it the right way with no shortcuts, because the goal here is to sustain success and take no shortcuts,” he said. “We are going to compete. I want to win everything that we do.”
Source: Original report