As the Dolphins' defense enters its second season under Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver, who led the unit to a fourth-ranked finish in the NFL last year, the defense has reaped the benefits of continuity with strong performances early in camp.
"They look tremendous," wide receiver Jaylen Waddle said about the defense. "They know where their help's at, they're playing together as one all three levels; so when your defense is playing like that, they're going to be very tough to move the ball on."
That was the case early in practice as the defense forced two interceptions and recovered one fumble. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick scooped up the fumble and picked off a pass from quarterback Zach Wilson – a leaping grab over the top of wide receiver Tarik Black.
Fitzpatrick has been as advertised in his return to the team that drafted him in 2018.
"It's a real good fit based on his skill set both athletically and what he's able to do with his transitions in the open field and then elite ball skills," Head Coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday.
The defense brought the pressure frequently on Saturday. Utilizing a buffet of options up front and in the linebacker corps, Weaver can get deep into the defensive menu. His playbook empowers a talented front with a variety of skills. That constant pressure challenges the opposing offense and helps the defensive backfield do its job.
"It makes it a lot easier," cornerback Storm Duck said. "If the front gets there fast, that's less time we have to cover. It's always great to have a great d-line to get to the quarterback."
Outside linebacker Chop Robinson continued his run of picking up one sack per day. Defensive tackle Benito Jones and outside linebacker Grayson Murphy also got to the quarterback.
The offense would not go silently into the weekend, however. Practice concluded with four explosive plays. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a 60-yard touchdown toss before a 30-yard completion to Waddle. Between the big passes was an explosive play from running back De'Von Achane, the last of four runs where Achane found daylight and got to top gear.
Achane was in the orange jersey after a stellar performance Friday. The third year back impresses more each day coming off a two-year start that's produced just under 2,500 yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns.
Aside from the interception, Wilson had his best day as a Dolphin. He threaded tight windows and zipped the football on time with velocity. One of the better throws of the day belonged to quarterback Quinn Ewers, who found wide receiver Monaray Baldwin for a 60-yard scoring strike.
Saturday, the Dolphins introduced a new training camp feature – the Orange Jersey Fan of the Day!
Just as the team issues an orange jersey to a player who stood out in the previous practice, a deserving fan is selected as the Orange Jersey Fan of the Day at all Dolphins Training Camp practices open to the public. The winner receives an authentic orange practice jersey signed by that day's orange jersey player and an exclusive experience at the Dolphins preseason game against Jacksonville on Saturday, Aug. 23.
For more info on the nomination process, visit the tweet below:
For more coverage from Dolphins camp, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.
