Dolphins set high expectations as regular season approaches

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The Miami Dolphins are still searching for their first preseason win, but with the regular season approaching, the focus inside the organization remains on what a new-look team can become.

Miami fell 26-3 to the New York Giants on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, dropping the Dolphins to 0-2 in the preseason.

There are plenty of changes in Miami this season, including first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis stepping into the starting quarterback role.

At training camp, Hafley said establishing the identity of his team was one of his priorities heading into the season.

“I want them to see a physical team, that lays it on the line, that plays together, that has fun together, and that can execute without making a lot of pre snap, post snap mistakes, a smart football team, who plays as hard as they can, and enjoys playing together,” Hafley said.

Willis is also adjusting to a larger role in Miami.

He spent part of the summer working with several Dolphins receivers in Jacksonville as the group tried to build chemistry ahead of training camp. For Willis, taking over at quarterback comes with an emphasis on earning the trust of the locker room.

“I'm just trying to do whatever I can to earn that role every day, you know, put the work in, put the time in, and earn respect for my teammates,” Willis said.

The Dolphins also enter the season with outside questions about how quickly the new pieces can come together.

Veteran linebacker Jordan Brooks said he does not view Miami's changes as a rebuild, and his expectations for the season go well beyond simply showing improvement.

“In football terms, I think what will make us successful is winning our division, owning our division, and getting a playoff berth, winning playoff games, making it to the Super Bowl, doing the things that nobody here thinks we can do,” Brooks said.

Miami has one more opportunity to prepare before the games count. The Dolphins host the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 28, in their preseason finale.