Hafley Backs Willis, Demands Collective Improvement During Dolphins’ Bye Week

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Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley used his Monday news conference to defend quarterback Malik Willis, praise a productive running game and make clear that every part of the organization will be evaluated during the bye week.

The Dolphins entered the break 0-5 after Sunday’s 31-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, a game in which Miami outgained Cincinnati 331-307 and rushed for 217 yards but committed three turnovers. The Dolphins rallied with 14 fourth-quarter points, yet their mistakes and uneven passing game left them chasing the Bengals throughout the second half.

Hafley repeatedly returned to one theme – improvement cannot be placed on one player. The quarterback, receivers, tight ends, offensive line, running backs and coaches all share responsibility for making Miami’s passing game more efficient.

Willis Remains the Starter

Asked whether Kyle Moore could start against the New York Jets after the bye, Hafley gave a direct answer – “We’ve played five games, and Malik is our quarterback.”

Willis completed 15 of 27 passes for 137 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked three times for 23 yards and lost a fumble, but he also supplied much of Miami’s offense on the ground with 74 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. His 39-yard scramble was the Dolphins’ longest run.

Hafley said Willis showed positive flashes during the two-minute drive before halftime and late in the game, when the quarterback appeared more aggressive and comfortable. Still, the coach said the operation must become more precise, from protection and route depth to progression reads and timing.

“Malik needs to be better,” Hafley said. “And that’s not the headline. The headline is we all need to be better.”

Ground Game Provides a Foundation

Miami’s clearest offensive strength was its running game. The Dolphins averaged 6.4 yards per carry and produced 13 rushing first downs. Ollie Gordon II led the way with 88 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while Chris Bell added a 26-yard run and Malik Washington gained 18 yards on his only rushing attempt.

Hafley said it was the first time this season he felt Miami ran the ball particularly well against a quality opponent. He also praised Gordon’s passion and emerging leadership as the young back takes on a larger role.

The coach was more cautious when discussing Gordon’s extension of the football at the goal line. Hafley said a runner must weigh the down, distance and game situation because reaching the ball can turn a scoring chance into a fumble or touchback.

Young Defensive Backs Earn Praise

Although Joe Burrow completed 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards and four touchdowns, Hafley was encouraged by the competitiveness of Miami’s young secondary against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase caught six passes for 77 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown, while Higgins was limited to two catches for 22 yards.

Hafley singled out JuJu Brents for his work in coverage and run support, calling it one of the cornerback’s best games. He also praised rookie Chris Johnson, who forced a fumble from Chase Brown and continued to show growing confidence.

Pass Rush Needs More Opportunities

Miami did not sack Burrow, but Hafley pointed to Cincinnati’s quick passing game as part of the explanation. The Bengals converted 9 of 13 third downs, frequently facing manageable distances that allowed Burrow to release the ball quickly.

Hafley said Miami must improve on second down and force opponents into longer third-down situations. He also acknowledged that he can do more schematically to create pressure. Chop Robinson drew extra attention from tight ends and running backs, and Hafley believed the defensive front played with more impact in the second half.

Special Teams and Injury Updates

Hafley said Miami’s veteran specialists must perform more consistently. Riley Patterson made a 29-yard field goal but missed the extra point after Willis’ late touchdown, while punter Bradley Pinion averaged 58 yards on two punts. The coach said every special-teams error has its own cause, but the standard does not change.

On the offensive line, Hafley said Jonah Savaiinaea was doing OK after leaving the game. Jarrett Kingston impressed Hafley in relief by staying prepared despite limited practice repetitions and playing with physicality when called upon.

Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant played 16 snaps in his return. Hafley called the performance solid and said Miami needs to increase Grant’s practice and game workload because the defense will need him after the break.

Everything Under Review During the Bye

Hafley stopped short of promising major lineup or staff changes, but he also declined to rule them out. He said he would use the remainder of the bye week to study the entire operation and make any decision he believes is best for the team.

The Dolphins showed enough against Cincinnati to suggest there are pieces to build around – a running game that produced 217 yards, young defenders who competed against elite receivers and an offense that converted 7 of 13 third downs. But at 0-5, Hafley knows encouraging stretches are no longer enough.

“I have confidence in the coaches,” Hafley said. “I have confidence in the players that we have. We will work through that, and we will get better.”

This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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