1) Emphasis On Red Zone
The focus today was getting quality work inside the 20-yard line. Both sides of the ball worked diligently on alignment and making plays in tight quarters. The offense used multiple formations and motions to try and create space and angles for extra room to execute. Defensively, press coverage and limiting that space was the goal for the linebackers and defensive backs. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was efficient throwing the football, hooking up again today with slot receiver Danny Amendola on a crossing route for a touchdown. The defense responded when linebacker Terence Garvin stepped in front of a David Fales pass and made a one handed interception to turn away the offense.
2) Tight End Rotation
This is one position to watch closely during training camp, and especially today when the majority of practice was focused on the red zone, or green zone as the offense likes to call it. With veteran A.J. Derby missing practice today, young players like Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe received more repetitions with the first unit. Both have looked like they belong on the field and continued to improve with every practice. Six-year veteran MarQueis Gray's versatility allows him to stay on the field and contribute in any formation. This seems to be a deep position with Gavin Escobar and Thomas Duarte, who flashed catching the ball cleanly today as well.
3) Strength At Safety Position
When you can line up veterans Reshad Jones and T.J. McDonald at the safety positions, the Dolphins should feel very confident that their play will be consistent and one of the strengths of the defensive unit. Both can play close to the line of scrimmage and Jones has a knack for anticipating where the ball is going to end up. Today, the Pro Bowl safety used his anticipation and speed to break in front of a Tannehill pass and come up with a beautiful interception. First round draft choice Minkah Fitzpatrick has also been flying around the secondary, playing fast and always around the ball. These three safeties have had a great start to training camp and should only continue to stack positive practices together.
