What Dolphins Coach Jeff Hafley Wants to See Against the Giants
The Miami Dolphins are entering their second week of preseason action, and they are preparing for another joint practice, this time against the New York Giants. After a walkthrough on Wednesday, Miami will take part in the practice session before facing the Giants again in their second preseason game Saturday afternoon.
Joint practices give teams an opportunity to put their starters and key players against another roster in a controlled environment. Miami used the format during its first week and is hoping to continue building on the encouraging 14-play opening drive led by Malik Willis.
This week’s opponent presents an interesting challenge, with the Giants entering a new era under head coach John Harbaugh. Here are some of the main storylines to follow.
Keeping Emotions Under Control
One of Hafley’s biggest concerns with joint practices is avoiding unnecessary fights and injuries. Other teams have already seen practices become heated this summer, including sessions involving the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.
Hafley explained that he prefers limiting joint practices because tensions can escalate when teams spend multiple days competing against each other. His priority is keeping players healthy and making sure the sessions remain productive.
With both Hafley and Harbaugh bringing strong personalities to the field, Miami will hope the players can maintain their composure and focus on improving rather than allowing emotions to take over.
Chop Robinson Gets a Major Test
Chop Robinson has been one of the standout players throughout Dolphins training camp. The former first-round pick added weight during the offseason and is looking to become even more effective in Hafley’s defensive system.
His matchup with Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas should provide a significant test. Thomas is considered one of the league’s premier tackles, giving Robinson an opportunity to measure himself against an elite opponent.
The matchup is particularly useful because Robinson didn’t get the same type of challenge during Miami’s previous joint practice, when Washington’s Laremy Tunsil was unavailable.
If Robinson spends significant time across from Thomas, his performance will be worth watching closely.
Dolphins Offensive Line Faces Tough Giants Front
Miami has invested heavily in its offensive line. Kadyn Proctor was the first major selection under Jon-Eric Sullivan, while several other linemen have either been high draft picks or received substantial contract extensions.
The Giants have also built a formidable defensive front, even after trading Dexter Lawrence during the offseason. Veterans DJ Reader and Shelby Harris provide experience and strength in the interior, particularly against the run.
On the outside, New York features a dangerous pass-rushing group led by Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter.
That makes this a valuable test for Miami’s offensive line and quarterbacks. The Dolphins will need their linemen to execute their assignments while giving the quarterback enough time to deliver the football on schedule.
Hafley Isn’t Focused on Outsmarting the Giants
Joint practices can give coaches an opportunity to experiment with strategies they might otherwise keep private during preseason games. Hafley, however, isn’t interested in turning the session into a competition between coaching staffs.
Instead, he wants his players to focus on fundamentals and determine who can win individual matchups.
For Hafley, creating an elaborate blitz just to produce a free rusher doesn’t tell him enough about his players. He would rather see whether his offensive linemen can handle elite pass rushers one-on-one.
That doesn’t mean the Dolphins won’t use double teams, chips or protection adjustments during the regular season. But during training camp, Hafley wants to establish whether his players can execute the basics before relying on scheme to cover weaknesses.
Establishing Miami’s Identity
The Dolphins are in the process of building a new identity under Hafley, with a new coaching staff and quarterback adding to the transition.
Because of that, Hafley views joint practices as another opportunity to figure out what his team does well and where it needs improvement. His objective isn’t simply to beat the Giants during a practice session.
Instead, he wants players to compete at full speed, execute their assignments and demonstrate sound fundamentals.
That means watching who can defeat blocks, set the edge, maintain proper positioning and cover talented receivers without relying on complicated schemes.
Hafley believes the time for extensive game planning will come once the regular season begins. For now, his priority is developing the players, establishing confidence and building the foundation of the Dolphins’ new identity.
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