Expect Fewer Mental Mistakes from Dolphins in Hafley era

Expect Fewer Mental Mistakes from Dolphins in Hafley era

When Mike McDaniel took over the Dolphins before the 2022 season, he and Chris Grier went out to find veterans to expedite the rebuild that had begun under Brian Flores in 2019.

All those brought higher expectations with them on gamedays but also different expectations during the week of practice as well.

With older veterans like Terron Armstead and Tyreek Hill, among others, the Dolphins became accustomed to an easier practice schedule in hopes of keeping these veterans fresh for gameday.

But with these relaxed expectations during the practice week, they eventually spilled over onto gameday, as Miami committed numerous pre-snap penalties, including false starts, delay-of-game penalties, and other errors that would come back to hurt them as the season progressed.

Well, with a new era comes a new mindset under Jeff Hafley.

Gone are the days of high-priced veterans who do not have to practice during the week.

Instead, enter young first-contract players and veterans with something to prove in their place.

Hafley can mold the team the way he wants during the week and set expectations for how his unit should perform on game days.

McDaniel’s teams were constantly labeled “soft” because they would fold when the weather got tough in the winter months.

Coming from Green Bay, I do not think that will be an issue for Hafley’s Fins.

I am not saying the 2026 Dolphins will compete for a playoff spot.

That would be great, but unfortunately, there is too big a talent disparity and a tough schedule that stand in their way of that possibility.

But that does not mean that fans shouldn’t see a difference in this year’s product on the field.

They should expect a tougher, more disciplined team both on and off the field.

And that all starts on the practice field in Miami Gardens.

In the past couple of years, Miami was just going through the motions, waiting for game day.

Now, they will use the week of preparation to truly prepare for the grind ahead.

A grind that Hafley will set up his team for success.

This season and in the years to come.