With a dozen practices in the rearview mirror, a preseason game beckons on the horizon. We'll get our first look at the 2024 Dolphins on Friday across the street at Hard Rock Stadium. But first, a recap of the last day of joint practices with the Atlanta Falcons.
Here are the day's highlights:
Practice 12, August 7, 2024
Top Moment
The usual nicks and bruises from training camp are an inevitable annoyance this time of year, but also provide an opportunity. With wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Braxton Berrios working their way back from "minor stuff," as Head Coach Mike McDaniel described it, reps are available for some of the younger receivers.
Rookie Malik Washington seized his opportunity Wednesday with the two biggest plays for the Miami offense. The first play was a deep shot up the sideline. Washington got on top of a Falcons defender before making a full extension grab for a gain of roughly 40 yards.
Later, Washington crossed the field and caught a pass from quarterback Mike White that might've been a 50-yard touchdown in a live rep – after all, this was college football's run-after-catch leader in 2023 – but was ruled down after 30.
"One of the more difficult things in the National Football League is that of a rookie NFL wide receiver," McDaniel said. "What Malik has done really well is find how to be a professional very quickly, so he is operating as a vet would in terms of how he's studying, his ownership of the playbook and how reliable he is with assignments for his teammates."
Top Quote
Evaluating training camp practices is a difficult task, especially when there are two fields packed with 180 players operating in unison. Wednesday, ahead of practice, McDaniel laid out some of the things he looks for in regards to evolution and progression of his team.
I’m looking very specifically for things within our game, and out on the field I’m really not concerned with the result. On the field I was looking at things very positive and as I looked at the tape, I was pumped about the things that I was really looking for that were tangible things that we’ve been working on since April. But beyond that, you also have expectations on things that if you’re going to emphasize one thing, you know other things are going to be right where they should be which is in a process of development. Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel
More Top Performers
Cornerback Kader Kohou broke up another pass during 11-on-11. It's been a strong camp for the third-year player who gets his hands on a pass just about every day. The fiery competitiveness that made him an immediate hit as an undrafted rookie in 2022 has been ever-present throughout camp.
Tight end Jonnu Smith made his impact felt Wednesday. Whether he was catching passes, leading a convoy off the edge or running through tackles, Smith offers the Dolphins offense a unique element that wasn't available in 2023.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Harris had a sack for the second-= consecutive day. The system seems to be clicking for the new free agent acquisition as he's playing fast and free.
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.
