Dolphins' Jeff Hafley Opens Up on Importance of the First Win

The Miami Dolphins notched their first win against the New York Jets, and the victory itself was a well-played three-phase game. 

Following the win, multiple players and head coach Jeff Hafley spoke to the media. During Hafley's session, he spoke about the importance of the victory and how he badly wanted it to happen for the players.

Multiple players have spoke about trusting the work and passion within one another and the product out on the field. While that did not translate to a win in the first five games, the Dolphins gutted out their first on Sunday. 

The offense looked sharp, and the defense got stops when they needed to. While it was not a perfect performance by any means, it was the kind of win that could act as a catalyst to further success. 

Hafley spoke about the team needing to get the win, and how he wanted it so badly for the players in the building that have worked so hard.

"I wanted the win for them ... I just wanted them to feel this. All the hard work, all the things that we've been asking him to do since OTAs, and just to stay in the process. The important thing for me was for them to feel this moment. And that's what I told him in the locker room," Hafley said.

The locker room was a wild scene, as Hafley was doused with tons of water while everyone jumped up and celebrated. 

Hafley spoke to the Dolphins players about their hard work throughout this season and said everyone will get a game ball. He also stated that the players will remember this one. 

Hafley was joined by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and owner Stephen Ross, who presented Hafley with a game ball as well.

One of the shining moments in the game that was referenced was the choice to go for the first down late in the fourth quarter when the Dolphins were facing a fourth-and-one. 

Hafley stated he asked the offensive line if they wanted to go for it and if they could get it, and they all agreed. Quarterback Malik Willis referenced the same situation. 

The Dolphins picked up the first down on a quarterback keeper, leading to the first win of the season.

Despite the big victory, the Dolphins do not have much room to celebrate, as they must get ready for their next opponent: the New England Patriots. 

Miami's schedule is one of the hardest in 2026, and they will take on the Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts next.

The team may have the confidence needed to continue getting better, but they will not get a break with their upcoming schedule.