It's difficult to imagine a better day for a Dolphins fan. Practice open for the first time of the season, a team coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and a long-term commitment to the quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Touchdowns, big runs, sacks, interceptions – this practice had everything.
Here are the day's highlights:
Practice 4, July 28, 2024
Top Moment
With a record of 32-19 as a starter, the youngest player to lead the NFL in passer rating (105.5 in 2022) since Dan Marino did it in the 1985, and the first Dolphin to lead the league in passing yards (4,624) since the same Hall of Fame gunslinger did it 31 years earlier, Tua Tagovailoa has quite the resume four years into his career.
Miami's 26-year-old franchise quarterback signed a contract extension through the 2028 season but is already looking ahead to what's next.
"Get deep into the playoffs. Win the games that matter," Tagovailoa said. "I could've been the worst, had the worst passer rating, I could've thrown for a thousand yards; but if we were in the those games and we were winning those big-time games and we got to go and win the championship, I'd trade all of that."
Tagovailoa has taken ownership of his game and the things he can do to elevate his play and his teammates. Friday, we saw Tagovailoa put on a ball-placement, anticipation and arm-strength clinic shooting deep balls, fitting tight windows and leaving jaws on the floor with his performance.
Today, Tagovailoa made two plays on the move, including a touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle. That increased mobility was a point of emphasis for the southpaw.
"Being able to run the ball a little more, being able to try to simulate that I am trying to run the ball a little more then pull up and able to catch someone off guard in a way," Tagovailoa said. "I just think being more mobile, being lighter on your feet, all of that helps with this game and everything in this game helps."
Top Quote
Rookie Patrick Paul is settling in nicely to his new digs. With patient pass sets and movement in the run game, he's been a standout performer through the first four days of training camp and he's caught the eyes of one of his longest-tenured teammates.
Big Pat is going to be the real deal. That’s a mammoth of a man. One thing you’ll notice about Pat right away, he’s intellectually gifted. In our line of work, especially offensive line wise, how things change at the drop of a hat, you want to have that. Dolphins OL Kendall Lamm on Patrick Paul
More Top Performers
Jalen Ramsey and Jalen Waddle had the battle of the day. Lined up across from one another on several reps, the two superstars exchanged wins, including two pass breakups from Ramsey and two touchdowns from Waddle.
Another Jaylen had his best day of camp with three explosive runs. Jaylen Wright flashed all the skills: speed to the perimeter, quick jump cuts in traffic and a nose for the goal line during Sunday's practice.
Jevon Holland corralled a tipped pass in the end zone. It's tough to predict how long the return would've been, but if we learned anything from the game at the Jets, it might've gone for a 100-yard touchdown.
Elijah Campbell had an impressive breakup on a downfield shot to Waddle. Campbell is putting together an excellent start to camp.
Social Roundup
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