Three Decisions I’d Love Jeff Hafley to Make

Playing hard is fine. Winning would be better. The Dolphins have heard plenty about their effort, but that does not do much for a team sitting at 1-6. Against Detroit, I want Jeff Hafley to give Miami something more than another close game to explain on Monday.

The Lions are 5-2 and averaging 395.4 yards and 29 points per game, according to the Associated Press preview. Miami has its hands full. Still, the Dolphins have a game to play, and I want to see a plan that gives them a chance to win it. Here are three decisions I would like Hafley to make.

1. Give the offense a sensible start

I would start with runs, quick throws and a few passes that move the quarterback out of the pocket. Give him an easy completion. Give the line a chance to settle in. Do not spend the opening possessions chasing a big play while the offense keeps landing in third-and-long.

Miami ran for just 74 yards against New England, the AP reported, after reaching at least 100 in each of its previous five games. That does not mean Hafley should run into a pile all afternoon. It means one bad carry should not be enough to scrap the running game. Make Detroit defend more than one thing.

2. Make Jared Goff work for his answers

I want Miami to show Goff different looks without blitzing just for the sake of it. Bring pressure when there is a reason. Drop a defender when Goff expects him to rush. Make him take another look before he lets the ball go. And keep the coverage sound behind it.

Miami is tied for 30th in sacks, according to the AP. Goff took four sacks in the first half against Minnesota last week and none in the second. So there may be chances to get to him, but Detroit has already shown it can adjust. Hafley needs an answer when the first approach stops working.

3. Be realistic about the defensive rotation

Zach Sieler, Chop Robinson and Malik Herring were limited in Thursday’s practice, according to the official injury report. Their Sunday status was not settled in the report reviewed for this draft. I would have the backup plan ready now rather than scramble if someone cannot handle his usual workload.

Being active and being ready for every snap are not necessarily the same thing. If Miami needs more players in the rotation, make sure they know their jobs. Detroit is a tough enough assignment without confusion about who should be on the field or where he should line up.

I am not asking Hafley to invent a new offense or defense by Sunday. I want a good start, a plan for Detroit’s adjustments and a rotation that fits the players available. Miami needs a win. Those are three places I would start.