{
  "id": 13828970,
  "title": "‘The Plan Needs to Be Better,’ ‘Going to Win Games If We’re Fumbling the Ball’ — Jeff Hafley Takes Stock of Dolphins’ 0-5 Start",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/the-plan-needs-to-be-better-going-to-win-games-if-were-fumbling-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T00:04:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/plan-needs-better-going-win-000441296.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley acknowledged Sunday that both his strategy and his players' performance need improvement following a 31-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, which has left Miami with a 0-5 record. Hafley dismissed the notion of a disconnect between coaching and execution, stating that both aspects require enhancement. The team's turnovers, particularly three lost balls, and a lost fumble on fourth down proved costly. Bengals safety Jordan Battle intercepted quarterback Malik Willis twice, contributing to a 21-7 halftime deficit. Willis fumbled in the final minutes, and Bengals kicker Evan McPherson's 26-yard field goal extended Cincinnati's lead to 31-18. Hafley emphasized the need for consistency in the passing game, highlighting the importance of all 11 players contributing to a stronger performance. The Dolphins rallied with rookie receiver Kevin Coleman Jr.'s 3-yard touchdown and Willis' 1-yard touchdown run, but the fourth-quarter effort fell short. Hafley acknowledged the team's resilience but noted that additional mistakes prevented the comeback from succeeding. Looking ahead to their Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets, Hafley vowed to evaluate the team's performance and scheme in the bye week.",
  "summary": "Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said Sunday that his game plan and his players’ execution both have to get better after a 31-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals dropped Miami to 0-5. Asked whether there’s a disconnect between what the staff teaches and what shows up on Sundays, Hafley called that a broad statement, credited his players for taking responsibility and said the coaches need to do…",
  "key_points": [
    "Coach Jeff Hafley admits Dolphins need better strategy and performance after 0-5 start.",
    "Turnovers, including three lost balls and a fumble, cost Miami crucial points.",
    "Bengals defense, led by Jordan Battle, intercepted Malik Willis twice, impacting the game."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Frequent turnovers and tactical shortcomings are undermining Miami's ability to finish games, forcing the coaching staff to overhaul their offensive scheme during the upcoming bye week.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}