MIAMI GARDENS — Day One for the more aggressive, more vocal Miami Dolphins, the team that’s vowed to hold each other accountable for shortcomings, went off perfectly in Tuesday’s joint practice against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Miami players.
“We held ourselves accountable at moments we felt the offense going dry,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said.
The Dolphins’ first team offense didn’t have many dry moments against Atlanta’s first-team defense.
Perhaps the biggest highlight was the 49-yard touchdown from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to Hill.
The Dolphins’ first-team defense, which faced Atlanta’s first-team offense, fared pretty well early in practice even though it didn’t force any turnovers.
Miami’s starting defense showed signs of vulnerability during the second half of practice when Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury sustained last season, moved the ball downfield through the air, and running back Bijan Robinson found success on the ground.
The Falcons scored one 30-yard touchdown on a catch and run by wide receiver Drake London and scored another on a short pass to tight end Ross Dwelley.
Regardless, the Miami defense found its footing on some crucial third-down plays and in the all-important red zone.
Overall, the Dolphins’ first -team defense won the day even though the second team defense had a few struggles.
Dolphins players maintain they have a standard, and they say they held each other to that standard in Tuesday’s practice, which is why they had a good showing on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
By the way, if Tuesday’s practice was a game, the Dolphins probably would have won.
Dolphins-Falcons scrap briefly
There was a brief fight during practice that resulted after Atlanta wide receiver Drake London caught a pass over the middle and violently threw unsuspecting Dolphins cornerback Ethan Bonner to the ground as Bonner was attempting to make the tackle.
After that, a Dolphins player shoved London from behind and players from both teams got involved. It appeared a few punches were thrown but nothing overly serious.
Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead, who didn’t practice, was seen jogging about 40 yards to act as a peacemaker.
Hill liked the aggression and having players stick up for each other.
“It’s good to see guys never back down from anything,” Hill said. “That shows a lot.”
Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe, took in the sights, wisely opting not to get involved, saying some players see it as an opportunity to get physical and others see it as an opportunity to catch their breath during a day that might have had a 100-degree heat index.
“I see it as a break,” Smythe cracked, “ so it’s mutually beneficial.”
Players not seen participating
Safety Jordan Poyer, running back Salvon Ahmed, wide receivers Braxton Berrios, Jaylen Waddle and Erik Ezukanma, linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr., edge rusher Mo Kamara.
Defense wins orange jersey for seventh time in 10 practices
Dolphins linebacker Duke Riley wore the orange jersey as the player of the day from Monday. Riley is the seventh defensive player to wear the orange jersey in 10 practices.
The only offensive players to win the orange jersey are quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and running backs De’Von Achane and Jeff Wilson Jr.
The other defensive players to win the orange jersey are linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr., safety Elijah Campbell, edge rusher Quinton Bell, defensive lineman Zach Sieler, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Sanders has nice day on FGs
Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders, who has kicked Miami into the playoffs each of the past two seasons, was 7 for 7 on the day, including hitting a 50-yard field goal.
But Sanders, such as most kickers, still isn’t sure what to expect from the new kickoff formations and rules.
The Dolphins have tried many different personnel groupings on kickoff return, including using offensive lineman, and kickoff coverage.
Kickers are trying things such as kicking shallow and kicking deep.
Returners are looking for that single crease that could deliver a big return. But everything remains a mystery. The biggest return by either team Tuesday might have been about 30 yards.
“Nobody really knows what’s going to happen until week 1 or week 2,” Sanders said. “We’ll see what everybody does.”
Originally Published: