The Commanders joined the Dolphins at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Thursday for some joint practice work. A busy day with both fields operating simultaneously concluded in the indoor facility with a familiar face making a play against his former team.
Here are the highlights from the day's work:
Practice 16, August 15, 2024
Top Moment
Training camp is an important time for players and teams to come together and get themselves prepared for the long season ahead. This extra month of football has the biggest fans living and dying with each report of what happens during these practice reps, itching for football analysis until Week 1. The results get the headlines, but it's the first word in training camp that defines what this time of year is all about – the training.
Cornerback Kendall Fuller experienced the highs and lows of camp all in one day against his former team. On the first play of team drills, Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught a touchdown on Fuller.
"It was a coverage we haven't ran as much," he said. "It was a learning experience of just knowing how or when I can expect to use my safety, and whether or not I can use them or if I have to be more aggressive."
Fuller responded no more than an hour later with the biggest play of the day, an interception against that same receiver. Fuller got hands on McLaurin with a re-route that forced the former All-Pro to the ground. Fuller secured the catch along the Commanders sideline and struck a pose for his former teammates, before his new teammates mobbed him on the field.
"It was just an out route that I love to make plays on, and I was fortunately able to make a play on it," Fuller said.
In eight years with the Chiefs and Commanders, Fuller has 16 career interceptions and 75 total passes defensed. His veteran presence and versatility will be a key cog in the Miami defense.
Top Quote
Tackle Terron Armstead not only still produces at a Pro Bowl level but his knowledge of the game and how he imparts that wisdom on all his younger teammates is also impressive. But even at age 33, Armstead enjoys being a student of Head Coach Mike McDaniel, Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith and Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Eric Studesville, who have put together a unique run game scheme.
They find ways to continue to innovate. They continue to evolve the run game. They put the defense in bonds that’s advantageous for us as far as leverage, and then they allow the o-line to be playmakers. So I’m able to get up to the second level, the corner, or maybe even a safety, things that in most run game schemes you don’t necessarily do. You’re usually blocking a d-end or double teaming on a d-tackle or something like that, but be able to get up to linebackers, corners and all that, I feel like I get a chance to make a play. Dolphins OT Terron Armstead
More Top Performers
Armstead didn't work on Thursday, but the Dolphins run game got it cranking without the five-time Pro Bowl selection, and it was a team effort. The tight ends, offensive line and fullback Alec Ingold re-set the line of scrimmage, as Miami consistently chewed up yardage in the red zone period.
Rookie wide receiver Malik Washington had the longest play from either side. He hauled in a 40-yard reception off the hand of quarterback Mike White. Washington outleaped the defender and survived the contact, and the ground, to make the big play.
Social Roundup
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