Training camp ebbs and flows like a great heavyweight fight. Each day a new round; some are tight, others are blowouts. At the end, both sides improve and are better from the experience. While no championship belts are awarded at the end of August, the offense bounced back after a couple of days that went in the defense's favor.
Here are the day's highlights:
Practice 7, August 1, 2024
Top Moment
The last two trips to South Florida for the New England Patriots saw Jaylen Waddle sprinting obstacle-free towards the end zone for long touchdowns. Thursday, Tua Tagovailoa hit his star wide receiver on a carbon copy play to those two. The defense, as they did all day, brought pressure. Waddle uncovered as a perfect pass led him into daylight and eventually the end zone to end practice.
The former Bama boys, as they have all camp, put on quite a display. Waddle found the end zone three times during the team period, including a toe-tapping touchdown that preceded an emphatic celebration. Waddle punted the football over the berm that adjoins the Baptist Health Training Complex to the Hard Rock Stadium parking lot, sending droves of kids chasing after the souvenir.
Flashing the full complement of his skills, Jaylen Waddle has already earned a reputation in the NFL as one of the game's best play makers. It's his work ethic, however, that's most impressed a fellow star receiver on the team.
"When you've got the mindset and you take the right approach on wanting to lean on some of the veteran guys that you've got in the room, he's done a tremendous job with that," Tyreek Hill said. "He is leaning on myself, leaning on Coach (Wes) Welker. He's done a great job of being real coachable in that aspect of it. He's came out here each and every day busting his tail."
Top Quote
Game recognizes game, and Tyreek Hill can see the desire to be great in Waddle because it's inherent to himself. Dolphins Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith couldn't have been more effusive in his praise of how Hill approaches the game heading into his ninth season.
I think the big thing with him is just his work ethic and how diligent he is to everything that he does. It’s one thing to be fast, and then also play fast, whether it’s practice and the games Sunday. Whenever he goes, he’s always on it. Dolphins OC Frank Smith
More Top Performers
While Waddle piled up the catches and yards, cornerback Kader Kohou prevented two passes intended for Waddle from being completed. The feisty third-year cornerback added a third pass breakup to string together another impressive day.
Marcus Maye secured a highlight reel interception during one-on-ones before opening the team period with a run stuff from depth at his defensive back position. He's making more of an impact with each passing day.
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks makes a handful of plays every day and does it from a variety of roles. He's been all over the Dolphins defense and looks like the real deal in his first camp with Miami.
Two rookie cornerbacks made splash plays Thursday. Jason Maitre under cut a throw to the perimeter from Skylar Thompson for an interception during one on ones. Storm Duck saved a touchdown on a pass that Braylon Sanders had in his hands, but saw it punched out by Duck. The rookie's PBU count is mounting this camp.
Social Roundup
Saturday, the Dolphins will make their 2024 Hard Rock Stadium debut. You can join us for the day by clicking this link. Gates open at 10:00 A.M. and practice begins at 11:00.
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.
