Why the Dolphins hope an emphasis on this makes the defense more lethal

Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley immediately begins to smile when asked about it.

Read more 10 notable stats from Miami Hurricanes’ 33-20 win over Wake Forest Demon Deacons

“That’s awesome,” Hafley said. “If they’re taking ownership in that, which I think is going to be very important to everything that we do, the buy-in makes me smile and appreciate that they’re listening, and they see the importance of takeaways.”

The very thing that makes Hafley grin could be a difference-maker for the Dolphins throughout the 2026 season. Started by linebacker Jordyn Brooks, the three-takeaway rule has transformed into a weekly gauge in how the defense performs. And judging off the two interceptions snagged in the season opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, it does appear to have worked a little.

“It just creates this mindset like ‘Alright, we’ll find a way to get this turnover by the end of practice so we ain’t got go out there and run,’” Brooks said. “Then we feel like if we do that enough, it’ll lead to the game.”

The rule, according to several players, happens to be rather simple. Throughout the practice week, the Dolphins must create three turnovers. If not, the unit runs gassers.

“If we get one [takeaway], we run two [gassers],” linebacker Willie Gay Jr. said. “If we get three we run none. Ge two, you run one.”

It’s importance cannot be understated considering the dynamics of the 2026 Dolphins. Miami has one of the youngest teams, one in which several rookies are tasked with starting roles.

The consequences of a poor performance in the takeaway department sets a very high standard for rookies, something that can only bode well for the future.

“They don’t know any different than that right now,” Brooks said. “Honestly, it has worked. A lot of the young guys—Chris Johnson, Jacob [Rodriguez], the corners—are getting a lot of picks, getting the ball out this whole camp.”

As Brooks alluded to, the takeaways have been a mainstay since the start of training camp. That’s because forced turnovers have been heavily emphasized under Hafley. Case in point: each individual period begins with a drill designed to get the players focused on turnover creation.

Read more Top 25 roundup: No. 13 Texas Tech holds off No. 22 Houston

“You got to drill it,” Hafley said at the start of training camp, explaining that he mandates “the first two minutes of individuals” to practice takeaways. Then comes the emphasis in the meeting room courtesy of him and defensive coordinator Sean Duggan. “When Sean and I are in thee defensive meeting room, it is the first thing we talk about, the first thing that we show.”

Between Brooks’ rule and Hafley’s emphasis, the takeaways have seemingly flowed endlessly. It also helps that Rodriguez made a name for himself with his peanut punch, something that helped him force a Big-12-high seven fumbles in 2025.

“Football is a physical game and it’s meant to be played that way,” Rodriguez said. “You have to be physical when you do it, whether you’re attacking a ball carrier or the ball specifically, it really doesn’t matter as long as you do it violently with the right technique and proper form.”

With the Dolphins likely going to be the underdog throughout the rest of the season, takeaways can be the one aspect that can level the playing field. No matter how good a team is, it will be difficult for them to win if they keep giving the ball away.

Then there’s the fuel that turnover creation creates.

“It creates juice,” safety Dante Trader Jr. said. “Bringing up the guys, the guys on the sideline, getting everybody involved, just to help the offense and defense get in the rhythm.”

Whether this rule continues to be followed throughout the season will be a key indicator of the defense’s effectiveness. This, after all, wasn’t the first time that something similar has been enacted—it actually began early in the 2025 season before slowly tapering off. The Dolphins, as a result, finished tied for 15th when it came to takeaways.

Maybe the presence of a defensive-minded coach who specifically prioritizes turnovers could be the difference.

“We make guys mad because we—what they say ‘OD’ with it—and that’s our whole thing,” Gay said, using an acronym that means “overdoing.” “We want to be because in the game, if you force three turnovers, you’re going to win.”

Read more Luxury London punk fashion boutique wins approval for Miami Beach flagship store