MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins veteran defensive lineman Zach Sieler was the last player dressed and last to speak with reporters after a loss at San Francisco dropped the team to 0-2.
Sieler has seen it all. He arrived at the end of the dramatic teardown of 2019.
And he's savvy enough to know where this season is headed.
"How much patience do you have to have to go through this?" a reporter asked.
"I have two kids, man. I'm doing all right," Sieler said with a smile.
It was a rare smile from Sieler in that locker room in northern California. Losing pains Sieler. He is an accomplished veteran. He is a solid player who has been a very good player in this league.
And he's surrounded by toddlers.
No, not his children. His teammates.
We can't say if Sieler
will finish this season with the Dolphins. Perhaps he's moved at the deadline to a contender.
Zach Sieler could be dealt, but key Dolphins leader for now
But coach Jeff Hafley needs Sieler, and his five fellow captains, to hang in there mentally.
Hafley is seeing that now. And he is appreciative.
Hafley even circled back to the topic late in a news conference:
"Let me say this, we've got really good, if you just look at our six captains, they're really good players, and they're really good leaders and they've done a really good job. I mean, because what you're saying is true. When you're in the huddle and I'm in the huddle with those guys and the game's out of reach and I'm looking them in the eye and they are so intent and they're playing as hard as they did the first snap of the game, that's important to me. And it shows that those are the right guys. And it isn't like that everywhere."
Through two games, Hafley is pleased with what the film shows about effort. It is there. Miami is losing mostly because young players are making mistakes in the areas of alignment, assignment and execution.
Through two games, the Dolphins are the only NFL team with zero sacks.
I asked Hafley about how he processes the individual frustration of a glaring problem like no sacks. He is, after all, also the Dolphins' defensive play-caller.
"I've been through it," Hafley said. "You know, I look back to my first year in Green Bay, and early on, we weren't generating any pressure. So we had to change and we had to evolve, and we had to put guys in different positions. And it took a lot of work, and we developed a lot of new stuff and a lot of new calls."
So, basically, Hafley is going to concentrate his energies on problem-solving. As he should.
"I don't have time to get frustrated," Hafley added.
As Hafley attempts to change the culture in Miami, it may become more difficult as this season progresses.
Aaron Brewer and Jordyn Brooks and De'Von Achane and Malik Willis and Patrick Paul are all under contract for next season and all but Willis are under contract beyond.
Miami Dolphins roster youngest in NFL
Hafley needs those players to not only show the youngsters the way, but to show them how to continue to fight and compete, regardless of the score.
Honestly, that's what fans are most likely to appreciate, including in a Week 3 home-opener against the Chiefs in which the team is a decided underdog.
Miami fans are savvy enough to understand Miami has one of the youngest teams in modern NFL history.
Miami fans are savvy enough to understand success this season must be measured by factors that extend beyond wins and losses.
It's about development.
And it's about patience.
And it will require the type of patience required when bringing your toddler to a formal dinner or place of worship, or, I suppose, a Dolphins game.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Threads and X at @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: For these Miami Dolphins, patience isn't optional | Schad
