Although training camp officially opened last week, some would argue that the season starts when the team puts the pads on. The Dolphins donned pads on Tuesday for an efficient practice. The theme: physicality and premier matchups on the hottest day of camp.
Practice started with one-on-ones. The pass catchers faced the defensive backs and the offensive line went up against the defensive line. The battle in the trenches was the first sign of a renewed energy and vision for this Dolphins team, a team that's had no problems creating big plays.
Second-year tackle Patrick Paul was one of the best performers during one-on-ones, a period that can favor the defense. The rushers are afforded more space that's not always applicable to a game setting, which makes Paul's one-on-one performance even more impressive. Taking it up another notch, Paul scored wins against outside linebackers Chop Robinson and Bradely Chubb.
"Pat Paul is having to step up in a huge way and he is," Chubb said. "I'm excited to see his growth though. He's been doing a really good job."
Paul's work carried over into a run-heavy portion of practice. The Dolphins line created displacement and opened up holes for running backs De'Von Achane and Alexander Mattison.
On the assist for those lanes was rookie offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea. His matchups with fellow rookie defensive tackle Kenneth Grant gave the fans plenty to be excited about. The two youngsters exchanged wins in one-on-ones before displaying maximum strain in a back-and-forth battle throughout the team periods.
"Jonah's been doing well so far," offensive lineman James Daniels said. "When I was a rookie, I was nowhere near as advanced as he is. He's done a really good job so I'm excited for his progress."
Daniels and Savaiinaea opened holes in the run game, but Achane's 60-yard touchdown catch-and-run on a pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was just the tip of the iceberg for Miami's explosive plays on Tuesday.
Practice concluded when Tagovailoa found wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for a 30-yard touchdown. The throw was a tad long, but Waddle went full extension to secure the catch.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Willie Gay Jr. and Jordyn Brooks teamed up for multiple sacks and tackles for loss. Their speed at the line of scrimmage and ability to beat blocks put constant pressure on the Dolphins' interior line and quarterbacks.
"It's like the 'Avengers.' Everyone's got their own superpower," linebacker Tyrel Dodson said. "We're getting closer and closer. 'JB' (Jordyn Brooks) is a hell of a guy, Willie (Gay Jr.) is a hell of a guy. KJ Britt – country boy – we're just all gelling and we're just trying to move as one."
There were plenty of other standout performances Tuesday. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler had two sacks. Wide receiver Tahj Washington caught a short pass from quarterback Quinn Ewers and outraced the defense for 50 yards. Defensive tackle Zeek Biggers picked up a sack and cornerback Ethan Bonner registered a pass breakup.
For more coverage from Dolphins camp, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.
