Before the 2026 NFL regular season began, Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley joked that he would aim to give running back De’Von Achane 40 touches per game. During the team’s first game, a 27-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Achane touched the ball 15 times, including 11 rush attempts for 36 yards.
The Dolphins are expected to be a physical, run-first team, but against the Raiders, that rushing attack quickly disappeared. The team ran the ball 18 times, including six runs from quarterback Malik
Willis. The Dolphins’ offensive attack did not operate as expected last week.
Miami Herald writer Omar Kelly shared on Thursday that Hafley is still committed to having the Dolphins run the ball.
Hafley, who is in his first season as Miami’s coach, reiterated he’s committed to fixing that on Wednesday.
“We’ve played one game. I want to run the football,” Hafley said moments before holding a west coast-based practice in Napa Valley. “We have to run the football! That’s all there is to it.”
But is it really that easy?
Based on the four seasons Hafley spent coaching Boston College, there’s little reason to doubt his commitment.
During his tenure as the Eagles coach from 2020 to 2023, Hafley’s teams averaged 36 carries a game and produced 166 rushing yards per contest. In his last season leading Boston College the Eagles averaged 198.8 rushing yards per game, which came off 42.1 carries per game.
Check out that story, and a complete collection of recent Dolphins news below as you enter the Splash Zone:
Dolphins vow to stay committed to running the ball – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
There is this belief, a theory that people can speak things into existence with the power of the tongue.
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Who has the edge? Dolphins at 49ers, to wrap up West Coast back-to-back – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 2 game at Levi’s Stadium (4:25 p.m., Fox)
Dolphins QB Malik Willis knows he must cut down on sacks going into Game 2 – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
As Malik Willis reviewed the tape from his debut as Miami Dolphins quarterback in Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, he noticed a few things he could’ve done better
Dolphins’ Achane admires McCaffrey ahead of matchup in Santa Clara – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane admires 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, with whom he’ll share an NFL field in Week 2.
How The Last Dolphins Trip to San Francisco Marked a Turning Point for Two Franchises – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Dolphins will be playing Sunday at Levi’s Stadium for the first time since 2022
Dolphins run game key to success Sunday vs. 49ers, and beyond – Chris Perkins, South Florida Sun Sentinel
Let’s be clear about one thing: the run game is the priority when the rebuilding Dolphins (0-1) visit the Super Bowl-hopeful San Francisco 49ers (1-0) on Sunday.
Dolphins injuries
Without Chop Robinson, Dolphins need creative answers vs. Brock Purdy – Hal Habib, The Palm Beach Post
The news that Chop Robinson has a concussion puts the Miami Dolphins — already thin on the edge — in a bind if he cannot go in the Sept. 20 game at the San Francisco 49ers.
Examining the Miami Dolphins’ Chop Situation from Different Angles – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins edge defender is in the concussion protocol
Chop Robinson was held out of Thursday’s practice because of a concussion – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
The Miami Dolphins could be forced to play Sunday’s road game against the San Francisco 49ers without one of the team’s starting pass rushers.
Robinson Update Highlights Dolphins’ Thursday Injury Report – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins were down two players at their second practice of the week
Dolphins rookies
The Dolphins Rookie Power Rankings After Week 1: Douglas, Rodriguez Shine – Tyler Carmona
The Dolphins used 10 of their 13 rookies in their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders
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ICYMI – The Phinsider News and Updates
Miami Dolphins 2026 salary cap move is unprecedented – Matt Warren, SB Nation
The Miami Dolphins have maxed out their proverbial credit card on the salary cap
Where can I watch the Dolphins vs. 49ers game? – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers game will be broadcast in a limited region
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