The Miami Dolphins took on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, and after the loss, they've stayed on the West Coast, as they prepare for their Week 2 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers from Napa, California.
While this is a great opportunity to avoid some long travel back home to Miami Gardens, Florida and then back out to Santa Clara, California, head coach Jeff Hafley is taking it as a great bonding experience for his young team.
"Yeah, it's actually pretty cool," Hafley said. "The set up – our operations staff has done a great job, it is outstanding. There's a big courtyard with a pool, there are games set up, there are fire pits. All the meeting spaces are tight. So guys are spending extra time with their
coaches and then they're sitting out by the fire talking. They're playing ping pong. It's like being on a college campus and everybody's kind of going back to their dorms at the end of the night – certainly they're a lot nicer than dorm rooms. Guys are sitting and playing cards at 8:00 when I'm walking out, sitting in the meal room for longer and just spending more time together.
"I think for a young team this week is very important. I think it's a big connection piece, getting to know their teammates, getting to know some of the new guys that we brought in. But I'm really happy with the decision."
The Dolphins looked lost for long stretches during their 27-13 loss to Las Vegas last week, so they're hoping that some extra time together, both working and relaxing, helps the communication and performance going forward.
With this roster, it's asking a lot for those things to be the difference, but it can't hurt.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Jeff Hafley details importance of Dolphins long stay on West Coast
