It was another big day for the Miami Dolphins in training camp as they faced the Washington Commanders ahead of their preseason game this Saturday.
“I want to make something count today,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “I just know that if we execute accordingly, something will count today.”
Facing the Commanders in joint practices will certainly be “important,” especially as the Dolphins’ defense faces an offense led by second-round draft pick Jayden Daniels. While the Washington quarterback dominated the Dolphins in red zone drills, former Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller, who wore the orange jersey as MVP the day before, was happy to throw a late interception.
“It was fun,” Fuller said after practice. “The football aspect too, but also the relationships you build when you’re in one place for so many years. It was fun just to see the guys. Going against them again, going against Terry (McLaurin). I think the first or second practice he scored a touchdown on me, so to be able to make a play at the end, but just going back and forth and going against guys, going against another team, it was fun, man. It was just a blessing. It’s going to be fun going against everybody on Saturday, so I had fun.”
The Dolphins’ offensive line will also be tested this week against a highly touted Washington defensive line that features several former Alabama stars, including defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
“We have a great group of young guys,” says veteran left tackle Terron Armstead. “That’s true. I think every one of these young guys is going to be on an NFL roster. So there’s a lot of talent in this room and they come to work the right way. We have a standard in this room. We try to throw the ball away. We try to be physical and set the pocket in pass pro and these guys come every day to live that and it’s tough in training camp. It’s the toughest part of the year so it’s important to get it done and do your best every day; these guys get coaching and advice and they take it all in stride. I love this room.”
The Dolphins’ running backs are also competing with each other more than ever, especially after rookie Jaylen Wright’s impressive performance against the Falcons. Raheem Mostert leads a deep core that also includes Devon Achane, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Salvon Ahmed.
The Dolphins will host Washington this Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium. It is the last home game before the Dolphins finish their preseason preparations in Tampa Bay.
