The pendulum swung back in favor of the defense as the two sides continue to trade victories at Dolphins camp. The pads were on and the tone was set early from a defense that showed its teeth – and potential – of what it could be in the 2024 season.
Here are the day's highlights:
Practice 8, August 2, 2024
Top Moment
Jalen Ramsey was once the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft and is on a track directly to Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His knowledge, instincts and tenacity are bested only by rare physical skills that allow him to play all over the formation and impact the game like few defenders can.
So far, this summer, fans have seen Ramsey's change of direction, long-speed and length produce splash plays. The star cornerback's football I.Q. is on display when he times a run into the backfield or sinks off his man and falls into a coverage area completely unexpected by the quarterback.
On the first play of Friday's practice, Ramsey defeated a block by an offensive lineman before dropping a shoulder into tight end Jonnu Smith for a stop at the line of scrimmage. Ramsey's physicality set the tone for a day that was full of big hits and intense energy from the defense.
It certainly seems like the unit is taking on the personality of new Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver.
"We're going out there on the practice field and trying to be purposeful and have clear intention of what we're trying to get done, and trying to solve all our problems with our pads," Weaver said. "Ultimately, we get an opportunity to do that 17 times this year. Hopefully, at the end of the day, they say we are bullies."
Ramsey and fellow cornerback Kendall Fuller were terrific all day in coverage, preventing any of the long balls from the NFL's top deep passing offense in 2023 from hitting a single home run. Safety Jevon Holland was frequently in the equation, not just in the deep game, but also on a forced and recovered fumble he produced early in practice.
Top Quote
Training camp is a unique experience in a results-based business. During the season, wins and losses are the bottom line. However, in these tune-up months, the progression and growth are the most important things. Dolphins single-season touchdown record holder Raheem Mostert discussed the evolution of the running game as camp moves along.
We have to gain the trust in the o-linemen and they have to gain the trust in the running backs to make them right. It goes hand in hand … Just getting a group of guys to settle in and them working together and the cohesiveness, it just brings a lot of ability and a lot of comfort in knowing everything’s going to work out. Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert
More Top Performers
Cornerbacks Ethan Bonner and Jason Maitre had interceptions, with Maitre's coming during one-on-ones. That's the second in as many days for the undrafted rookie during a drill that typically benefits the wide receiver.
Rob Jones was a brick wall on Friday. It's been a solid week for the versatile fourth-year offensive lineman. His hands and feet are working in unison and he's playing with an edge that's keeping his quarterback clean and generating surge in the run game.
Rookie running back Jaylen Wright is finding the gaps created by Jones and the rest of the line. His conviction attacking the line of scrimmage stands out each day, including a bruising run Friday where he pushed a small pile five yards.
Social Roundup
Unfortunately, inclement weather has canceled the practice scheduled to be held in front of fans at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday. The team will still hold a practice closed to fans, and we'll have your analysis of that here on MiamiDolphins.com and on the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield.
