Football dominates the calendar 12 months of the year, but few days evoke excitement like returning to the practice field for the start of training camp. It's a new year with plenty of new faces to get to know. A day that began in the offense's favor quickly swung to the defense, as some household names put their stamp on the first day of the brand-new season.
Here are the highlights:
Practice 1, July 24, 2024
Top Moment
Few, if any, commodities in the game of football are as valuable as pressure. The consistent pestering of a quarterback creates a lack of comfort, and the best way to disrupt the opposing passing game is to heat up the signal-caller.
The day began with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa spreading the rock to some of his favorite targets with impressive throws. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle picked up where they left off, and newcomer tight end Jonnu Smith made his presence felt.
After a couple of periods, however, Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver turned up the heat, getting after the offense to the tune of four interceptions and at least as many sacks.
While Kendall Fuller had one glance off his hands, and Jalen Ramsey didn't secure a pick of his own, it's easy to see the vision for two lockdown cornerbacks with alignment versatility, and how that creates utter chaos for the opposing offense.
"The more you play, the more comfortable you get with the game, the more comfortable you get with concepts," Ramsey said. "Knowing what you want to accomplish within the defensive scheme, that comes with it."
While the front was generating pressure through blitzes and simulated looks, the stars of the secondary clamped the immediate options. Each time, so it seemed, the quarterback was forced off his spot or into a hot throw, the Miami defense had an answer for it. Passing off coverage, anticipating throws and rallying to the football on short completions, Ramsey and Fuller made it tough sledding, as they each have done for eight years in the league.
"The style of defense is built off being able to blitz different ways," said defensive tackle Calais Campbell. "A lot of simulated pressures, full out pressures, make it look like you're blitzing but you're only rushing four … this defense is unique in the sense that anybody can do anything at any given time."
And, boy, did they.
Safety Jordan Poyer, cornerbacks Siran Neal, Nik Needham and linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh all secured Day 1 interceptions. Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah made his return with a sack. He joined defensive tackle Brandon Pili, Jalen Ramsey, and a sack shared by outside linebackers Chop Robinson and Cam Brown by tagging off on the quarterbacks.
Top Quote
When Tyreek Hill arrived in 2022, Dolphins practice looked different. He brought an energy, to go along with relentless production, that seemed to universally raise the standard.
New tight end Jonnu Smith caught a couple of passes during the team portions or practice, and each time he rumbled or weaved his way to the end zone. Third-year tight end Tanner Conner followed suit on his receptions, prompting the question, is this a new directive in the tight end room?
We’re trying to be the best version of ourselves. I’ve established an identity in this league with my run after catch. So that’s something I try to rep every time I get a chance. Every player has a way they feel they should practice with goals in mind … that’s just the way I feel I should practice. Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith
More Top Performers
Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle made their usual explosive plays. Waddle made one catch on a high pass where he climbed the latter, plucked the ball, hit the ground and took off.
A lot of their receptions came from Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who put on a clinic on anticipation and ball placement on his first day of camp.
Running back De'Von Achane produced the best run of the day where he pressed play side, then found the cutback lane before splitting defenders en route to a long touchdown scamper.
Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker have the looks of an already-developed chemistry from their Dolphins training camp debut. Brooks, rocking the orange jersey, and Walker were a big part of the tight passing windows and minimal run gains throughout practice.
Social Roundup
For more analysis on Dolphins training camp, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield – available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
