Dolphins Players Bash HC Jeff Hafley’s Scheme: Report

The Miami Dolphins are heading to Minneapolis seeking to win their first contest under head coach Jeff Hafley when they play the 3-0 Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.

First-year Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan left his post with the Green Bay Packers in January and brought former Hafley, then a defensive coordinator with the Packers, to become the head coach of Miami.

Green Bay “south” is off to a rough start, and some players appear to be getting angsty with the scheme.

Per Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, multiple players believe the defense’s slow start to the season has been “self-inflicted.”

Miami’s defense is giving up an average of  28.7 points per game, which ranks No. 28. Some players believe the scheme doesn’t match the Dolphins’ personnel.

“Multiple players have privately complained that the defense should line up in more man-to-man coverage, as it fits the talent on the field,” Pauline wrote.

“Man coverage will also abate the team’s inability to get to opposing passers, and the players believe it will help significantly get the completion percentage down for the quarterbacks they face every week.”

Miami Dolphins have issues with the defense

Around the league, the expectations weren’t high for the Dolphins before the season. Miami released veterans such as Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bradley Chubb. Jaylen Waddle was traded to the Denver Broncos.

Things could continue to go south for the Dolphins after running back De’Von Achane suffered a season-ending ACL injury in a 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.

While the Dolphins might not make the playoffs, this is a critical season for Hafley to build the culture for his defense to be successful in the future. It appears as though there are serious communication issues and problems with players not matching the scheme.

Whether that means players will be asked to adapt to Hafley’s scheme or the head coach keeps his scheme and changes are made to personnel in the offseason remains to be seen, but the situation in Miami appears headed for a disaster this season.

Related Stories:

Raiders TE Brock Bowers Has Maxx Crosby-Like Knee Issue, Ruled Out

Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Tears Into Reporter For ‘Gotcha’ Question

For More Football News:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!

The post Dolphins Players Bash HC Jeff Hafley’s Scheme: Report appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.