The Dolphins wrapped up this year's training camp by hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday for a joint practice that featured a strong performance by Miami on both sides of the ball.
The Dolphins' defensive performance was highlighted by a pair of turnovers that would have been returned for a touchdown if not for the practice setting. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and cornerback Jack Jones intercepted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during 11-on-11 work Thursday. While the returns didn't finish in the end zone, both players had a convoy of blockers without a Jaguar in sight.
"We're trying to force offenses to be off schedule," Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver said earlier this week. "In order to do that, you've got to disrupt some routes…if we get an opportunity to put hands on, we're going to do that."
It was more than just the defensive backfield challenging the Jags' first-team offense. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb converged on Lawerence, along with linebacker Jordyn Brooks, for a third down sack. It was the final play of an end-of-game situational period in which the Dolphins pitched a three-and-out on Jacksonville with net negative yardage.
Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips picked up a sack and defensive tackle Zach Sieler had a pair of run stuffs to go along with a batted pass at the line of scrimmage.
The Dolphins' edges have been one of the most consistent groups during camp. Chubb, Phillips and fellow pass rushers Chop Robinson and Grayson Murphy frequently make the notebook. The Dolphins added to the group by signing veteran Matthew Judon, who had two sacks in his first practice with Miami on Wednesday. McDaniel spoke about the early returns of Judon's presence and how impressed he's been by that group.
"Based upon yesterday's practice, which was from a coaching perspective we thought was probably the best practice that the edge group has had in a very productive offseason and training camp," McDaniel said. "We got our best play from the position that has had a very strong offseason, that's what we were counting on."
The offense put the ball in the paint, too. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's first two passes of the day were touchdowns to wide receivers Malik Washington and Jaylen Waddle.
Tagovailoa has had the opportunity to work with a variety of wideouts. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill hasn't practiced in a full capacity since the team's trip to Chicago, and with Waddle down for a few of those practices, Tagovailoa has made the most of the opportunity to spread the ball around.
"It does give us an opportunity to work on more things," he said. "It also allows me the opportunity to see which guys I can trust, which guys I can depend on. It allows me the opportunity to see who's in their playbook, who knows where to be in what spots, and then play within the timing of that play."
Wide receiver Dee Eskridge caught a deep touchdown from Tagovailoa in one-on-ones, while fellow wideout Tahj Washington made multiple plays, including a win as a gunner on special teams. He blew past the two-man jam attempt and forced a fair catch from the Jags return man.
As camp concluded, Tagovailoa discussed how he felt the month of work benefitted the team.
"It's really the process versus the result," he said. "In the previous ones, it was more so trying to find the big plays, trying to get a result out of that if you will versus going through the process. I think, as you go through the process, you're a little more present than trying to think that this is going to be open and then try to make it open in your mind. So just going through the process, seeing the defense, throwing what's there, then moving on from it, and if it comes back and they take it away, then you continue to go through that process but I think it keeps me present."
All that remains between the Dolphins and the start of the regular season is Saturday's preseason finale against the Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. The starters are expected to make an appearance in the game, per McDaniel, and kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
For more coverage from Dolphins camp, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.
